Chester Makana

Chester Makana

Police in Limpopo have arrested three men at Ha-Mutsha in connection with the murder of a woman who had been reported missing.

The woman, Nyadzani Muedi, 44, of Tshino village near Ha-Mutsha, was reported missing on April 20. Her body was discovered by members of the community last week after they had searched for her for days without success.

It is alleged that some parts of her body appeared to be missing, though advanced decomposition made accurate assessment impossible. She was found near the Luvubu River.

Police spokesman Superintendent Ailwei Mushavhanamadi said yesterday the three suspects, aged 22, 63 and 65, were in custody. The 63-year-old suspect is a grandmother.

Mushavhanamadi said police were also investigating whether or not the murder was ritual-related.

The community has been sceptical about pathology investigations since a bungled probe on the body of Mulweli Nemadandila.

The state pathologist had indicated at the time that Nemadandila's wounds were caused by fish, but an independent pathologist's report showed the boy's missing body parts had been cut off.