Limpopo man allegedly fled to Zim after the brutal murder of his wife! Authorities have denounced the shocking murder of a 29-year-old woman in the Free State, allegedly at the hands of her husband, who is now believed to have fled to Zimbabwe. The case has sparked outrage and an intensified manhunt for the suspect.
The Tragic Incident
On January 20, 2025, Limpopo police received information from a tracking company about a white Ford Ranger with a Limpopo registration parked at a residence in Campbell. The vehicle’s owner had been reported missing days earlier, with the case registered at the Moroka police station in Gauteng.
Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said police rushed to the scene and found the vehicle at the residence. The homeowner revealed that the vehicle’s owner had borrowed a significant amount of money and intended to travel to Zimbabwe for “spiritual assistance” related to workplace issues.
Evidence Found in the Vehicle
During their investigation, police uncovered alarming evidence inside the vehicle, including:
- Bloodstains
- Two empty rifle cartridges
- Three empty 9mm pistol cartridges
- A fragment of 9mm ammunition
- Six live 9mm rounds
- Two black pistol magazines (one loaded with 15 rounds and one empty)
- A pair of black gloves
This evidence indicated that a violent crime had occurred, prompting authorities to intensify their investigation.
Discovery of the Woman’s Body
The case took a grim turn on January 22, when police discovered the body of the missing woman in bushes along the N1 in Kromdraai, Free State. The 29-year-old victim had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Preliminary investigations revealed that her husband, identified as 34-year-old Dakalo Nemangwele, had been traveling with her before passing through the Verkeerdeveli toll gate alone in the same vehicle on January 17. The body was found near a turn-off at Kromdraai, suggesting that she had been killed and discarded in the area.
Arrest of a Suspect
A 24-year-old man suspected of involvement in the incident was arrested at his home in the Tshamutumbu policing area. The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation by police in Musina.
The suspect was found in possession of two firearms, including a hunting rifle with ammunition. Authorities believe this individual may have played a role in the events leading to the woman’s death.
Manhunt for the Husband
The police are now actively searching for the deceased woman’s husband, Dakalo Nemangwele, who is considered a key figure in the ongoing murder investigation.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, has strongly condemned the “senseless shooting,” emphasizing the need for swift justice in this tragic case.
“Anyone with information that may assist in tracing the deceased’s husband should contact Lieutenant Colonel Shuhani Rendani at 082 414 6683, Crime Stop at 08600 1011, or via the MySAPSApp,” the police urged.
Community Shock and Reaction
The murder has sent shockwaves through the community, sparking outrage over the brutality of the crime. Gender-based violence remains a critical issue in South Africa, and cases like this highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing this societal problem.
Lieutenant General Hadebe reiterated the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the public to ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice.
Conclusion
The murder of the 29-year-old woman is a heartbreaking reminder of the pervasive violence against women in South Africa. As the police intensify their search for the suspect and continue their investigation, the nation remains hopeful that justice will prevail for the victim and her grieving family.
The public is encouraged to come forward with any information that could aid in the capture of the fugitive and assist in bringing closure to this devastating case.
