Gospel singer shot and killed by husband at church
Tragedy struck the congregation of Worship House as Funanani Mbedzi, a lead singer of the gospel group, met a horrifying fate allegedly at the hands of her own husband during a church service on Saturday.
The incident, which unfolded in Makonde Shadani village outside Thohoyandou, sent shockwaves through the community.
According to authorities, the suspect barged into the church around 6 pm while worshippers were deep in prayer and commenced a barrage of gunfire aimed at his wife, Funanani Mbedzi.
Tragically, Mbedzi succumbed to her injuries on the spot, leaving the congregation stunned and grief-stricken.
In the aftermath of the heinous act, the 53-year-old suspect fled the scene in a silver-grey vehicle, sparking a frantic search by law enforcement. Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba indicated that the motive behind the brutal attack remains unclear, though domestic violence is a probable cause.
After evading capture for two days, the perpetrator ultimately surrendered to authorities, with his licensed firearm, believed to have been the murder weapon, confiscated during his arrest.
Funanani Mbedzi, affectionately known as ‘Khavhanndwele,’ had been an integral part of Worship House since 2004, lending her voice to numerous gospel hits. Her loss reverberated deeply within the music community, with Worship House issuing a heartfelt statement mourning her untimely passing. Plans for her burial are underway, with the group promising to share more details soon.
In another tragic incident in Bolobedu, a 29-year-old woman found herself behind bars following the fatal stabbing of her 34-year-old boyfriend, Tumelu Makwala, in the Sehlakong section of Mabosana village. Reports suggest that a heated argument between the couple escalated, culminating in the stabbing. The suspect promptly contacted her boyfriend’s mother to inform her of the tragic event before being apprehended by authorities. Makwala’s untimely demise and the subsequent arrest of his girlfriend serve as yet another grim reminder of the dangers posed by domestic disputes.
In response to these distressing events, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, condemned the acts of violence and urged couples facing domestic challenges to seek professional assistance rather than resorting to aggression.
The incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the need for greater awareness and support for victims of domestic abuse.
