HANGALAKO, LIMPOPO — A tragic incident unfolded this Women’s Day in the Nkuna Kraal Mall parking area, shattering a moment intended to honor African women’s strength and resilience.
According to initial reports, at around 15:00, a man allegedly followed his girlfriend into the mall’s parking lot in the Hlanganani policing area and, without warning, produced a firearm and shot her in the head and shoulder. The victim has been identified as Sergeant Rembuluwani Ramavhetha, age 38, who was assigned to the Musina Border Post. She was a respected police officer and a symbol of service and courage in her community.
Responding quickly, local residents—outraged by the brutal act—chased the suspect as he fled toward his vehicle. In an emotionally charged response, the crowd set both the suspect and his vehicle ablaze, resulting in his death at the scene. The suspect has since been identified as Sergeant Ottaniel Mavhetha, who served at the Thohoyandou K9 Unit.
The violent incident struck a delicate chord in a nation wrestling with ongoing issues of gender-based violence. Social media and local leaders have since highlighted the stark contrast between the significance of Women’s Day and the tragedy that undermined its intended message of empowerment.
No official statement has been released by the Limpopo Police Service or the provincial government, but the nature of the incident is drawing attention from national advocacy groups and law enforcement. Community activists are calling for renewed efforts to combat domestic and gender-based violence, urging law enforcement to prioritize and address such incidents proactively.
Afrika Voice extended its deepest condolences in a public statement, saying: “We stand in solidarity with the family, friends, and colleagues of Sgt. Rembuluwani Ramavhetha—and with all women who continue to face violence.”
Ongoing investigations are focused on reconstructing the event timeline and establishing the cause of the fatal shooting. Authorities stress that even as a day intended to celebrate women, this incident has reminded the nation of the urgency needed to prevent such acts in the future.