A Limpopo traffic officer, 56-year-old Mbulaheni Patrick Netshidzivhani, who was reported missing over the weekend, has tragically been found dead. His body was discovered in the remote Khunguni mountain, where he had gone to conduct his usual fitness routine on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Netshidzivhani, a Senior Provincial Inspector with the Mutale Traffic Station, failed to return home after his mountain outing, sparking concern and prompting his family to alert authorities. The police swiftly launched a missing person inquiry, which soon led them to a critical breakthrough. His vehicle was located, and in a coordinated effort, officers arrested four suspects in connection with his death. The suspects, three men and one woman, are all believed to be from the area.
Although the formal post-mortem is yet to be carried out, preliminary investigations suggest that Netshidzivhani was strangled to death. The shocking and brutal nature of the crime has left the community in disbelief. The case has drawn significant attention, and Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has assured the public that authorities are committed to uncovering the truth behind this senseless killing.
“The hard work of our team serves as a reminder that we will not rest until justice is served,” said Hadebe, extending condolences to the grieving family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer. The suspects are expected to face court soon, with the investigation ongoing.
The murder of Netshidzivhani has struck a deep chord within the local community, leaving many questioning the circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of a dedicated public servant. The police’s quick response and subsequent arrests offer a glimmer of hope that justice will prevail, but it remains to be seen how this deeply unsettling case will unfold in the courts.
