Thohoyandou: Two additional male suspects were apprehended for the murder of the missing woman aged 34 and her 2-year-old daughter who were reported missing in mid-May 2025.
According to South African Police Service, on Friday 01 August 2025, the Thohoyandou Vhembe District Team, together with the Provincial Team of investigators dealing with missing persons, continued an operation at Hlabeni Block F under Saselamani policing area, which led to the arrest of a 55-year-old male suspect.
Further investigations by the police led them to the residence of a 38-year-old Traditional Healer at Muraga village under the Thohoyandou precinct. The Traditional Healer was allegedly found in possession of the missing heads of the two victims and was subsequently placed under arrest.
It is reported that on Wednesday 30 July 2025, police followed a credible lead, resulting in the discovery of the bodies of the mother and her daughter. As a result of this discovery, two suspects were linked to the incident and were immediately arrested.
Tshilidzi Phalandwa (43) and Balangani Sedzani Tshivhombedze (32) appeared in Thohoyandou Magistrate Court on Friday 01 August 2025. They were remanded in custody, and the matter was postponed for further investigation to Tuesday 12 August 2025.
Meanwhile, the 55-year-old suspect, along with the 38-year-old Traditional Healer, will appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate Court on Monday 04 August 2025 facing a charge of murder. Additionally, a charge of possession of human tissue will be added against the 38-year-old male suspect.