Two individuals have appeared in court in connection with the tragic murder of Limpopo traffic officer, Senior Provincial Inspector Patrick Mbulaheni Netshidzivhani. The officer, attached to the Mutale Traffic Station, had been reported missing after he left his home in Hamakhuvha Village on Sunday, January 12, 2025, for his regular fitness routine.
Netshidzivhani had gone to Khunguni Mountain, where he typically exercised, but failed to return home afterward, sparking immediate concern. A search was quickly launched by local authorities, who found the officer’s vehicle, which provided crucial leads. This discovery eventually led to the recovery of Netshidzivhani’s body from the mountain. Tragically, it was confirmed that he had been strangled to death.
Initially, four individuals were arrested in connection with the crime, but after further investigation, two of them were released as they could not be linked to the murder. The remaining two suspects, 25-year-old Munyai Roshidzwa Vhutshilo and 21-year-old Nekhubvi Muano, appeared in court on Thursday, facing charges of murder. The case has been postponed to March 3, 2025, for further investigation.
In a statement following the arrests, Limpopo’s Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed her commitment to ensuring justice for Netshidzivhani and his loved ones. “The swift action by our officers in making these arrests is a testament to our dedication to solving this senseless and brutal killing,” she said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Senior Provincial Inspector Netshidzivhani. We will not rest until we get to the bottom of this case.”
The community, still reeling from the loss, has been reassured that the investigation will continue until those responsible are held accountable. Netshidzivhani’s death has deeply affected both his colleagues and the local community, but authorities are determined to bring closure to the case.
