Northam, Limpopo – The discovery of two decomposing bodies in a Northam house on Sunday, 29 December, has shocked the Waterberg District community.
A 33-year-old South African man and his 24-year-old girlfriend from Lesotho were found dead in their home, sparking fears and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The couple, believed to have been in a relationship, were last seen alive on Christmas Day, 25 December, at approximately 11:45 pm at a local tavern. Their bodies, discovered several days later, were in an advanced state of decomposition. According to Limpopo police spokesman, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the woman was found lying on the bed, while the man was found hanging from the rafters.
“Their bodies were already in an advanced state of decomposition. Motive behind the shocking incident is unknown at this stage, although a domestic-related dispute can't be ruled out,” Ledwaba explained. Police have opened murder and inquest dockets, and investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of death and the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. The identities of the deceased will be released officially at a later stage.
The incident has deeply affected the Northam community, particularly women, with many speculating that the man killed the woman before taking his own life. A 36-year-old resident expressed the community's grief and uncertainty: "The incident is regrettable and painful. We encourage couples to seek help when they encounter problems rather than resorting to killing. Now, we’ll never know what really happened.”
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incident and urged couples experiencing relationship difficulties to seek professional help. “We urge people in romantic relationships to seek professional help when they experience relationship challenges,” she stated.
This tragic event comes amidst a series of violent crimes in the Limpopo province. Just days earlier, on Friday, 27 December, police launched a manhunt for suspects after the discovery of a mutilated body in Mamaila Village outside Modjadjiskloof. The 40-year-old male victim was found in the bushes with his throat cut, little finger removed, and private parts mutilated.
Limpopo police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Thakeng, detailed the gruesome findings: “His little finger and private parts were also removed. Emergency personnel were summoned to the scene and certified him dead.”
Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe also condemned this incident, stating that police would thoroughly investigate the case. “Although motive for the murder is still unknown, ritual-related killing can't be ruled out at this stage,” she said.
