
Thohoyandou police are investigating the murder of 14-month-old Manwatha Ndingatshilidzi, whose lifeless body was found in an abandoned house at Ha-Mphego village on January 4. The suspect, Rudzani Dzhabuli, is still on the run.
The toddler’s body showed disturbing injuries, including blood in the nostrils and ears, and wounds on the legs. According to Vhembe police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi, the suspect, who is the child’s biological father, sent an SMS to a family member instructing them to check the abandoned house.
The suspect allegedly took the toddler from her mother forcefully on January 2 and also kidnapped the child’s mother, who was later found and hospitalized.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Capt Takalani Siaga at (082) 469-2302. The community is left in shock and mourning over the senseless killing.