The Crestcare Zoutpansberg Private Hospital in Louis Trichardt has come under new management with the appointment of Mr Kobus Nel as acting hospital manager. He took over last week from Ms Anneke Stroebel, who has been part of the hospital’s history for almost two decades now.

Three boys from the Magau area appeared in court last week on murder charges after they had allegedly stabbed a 62-year-old man to death, following an argument at a tavern.

The arrest and subsequent appearance in court of the man who had allegedly murdered his wife at Tshivaloni came as a great relief to the family and members of the local community. After allegedly hacking his estranged wife, Ms Nkhetheni Mudau, with what is believed to have been an axe, the perpetrator, Humbulani Nethengwe, fled the scene, leaving her dead body in a pool of blood. The incident occurred at Tshivaloni village, Niani, on Monday, 15 April, at around 10:30.

The hit-style murders and elimination of suspected gang members in the Vhembe District continue unabated. The past week saw another killing in what appears to be a systematic and ruthless culling of gang leaders.

The case against the two suspects who had allegedly instructed students preparing for their matric examinations last year to remove their clothes before robbing them has been postponed to 2 May for further police investigations.

More than 70 traditional leaders from the Tshivhase dynasty joined thousands of mourners who converged at the Tshidimbini traditional kraal to pay their last respects to Vhamusanda Vho Mulingoni Mukhese Eric Tshivhase, who was laid to rest at the royal graveyard on Saturday morning. Tshivhase (53), better known as “Rambo” because of his prowess in various sporting codes, passed away after a short illness on Saturday, 13 April.

“Everything is possible; one only needs to be determined, hardworking, and dedicated. If you start something, make sure you finish it, and age should not be a limitation.” This is the mindset of former PhalaPhala FM radio announcer and SABC sportscaster Thivhulawi Gilbert Nyadzhiwa, better known as “Gwati Muzere” in the broadcasting industry.

A new state-of-the-art science laboratory was unveiled at Russel Bungeni High School in Bungeni village on Friday, 5 April. The laboratory is the result of a partnership between the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), Stellenbosch University, the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), and the traditional authority, led by Hosi Given Bungeni.

The well-known sports personality and former coach of Venda athletics and netball teams, Mr Mamba Patrick Nthangeni (69), passed away at the Phuluso Netcare Hospital in Polokwane on 21 April after a long illness. During his life, Nthangeni served as the coach of the Univen and Venda netball teams. He was also a coach at the former Finyazwananda Technical College, now known as Vhembe FET.

Napoli FC were crowned the champions of the Lumveleni Easter Soccer Tournament after defeating Manamani Blue Birds 1-0 in the final at the Ngudza Grounds last Sunday.

Well-known veteran cricket player from Louis Trichardt, Yahya Jiwa, has been selected for the national side that will represent South Africa in the upcoming Over-50s Africa Cup and early next year in the Over-50s Cricket World Cup.

After failing to reach the final of the Lumveleni Easter Soccer Tournament at the Ngudza Grounds last Saturday, Musasenda Big Five rose to the occasion and beat Mukula Young Santos 3-0 to lift the Vision Soccer Tournament trophy at the Khubvi Benjie’s Grounds on Sunday. The winner was determined via penalty shootout after a goalless draw at the end of regulation time.

One of Vhembe’s own netball stars is continuing to impress on the national and international stage. Phophi Nematangari from Duthuni is currently captaining both the University of Pretoria’s (Tuks) first team and the South African Youth netball side (Baby Proteas).

Two former traditional musangwe bare-knuckle pugilists, Khodani “Cena” Nephalama and Ishmael Makhado, are set to fly to Cape Town to participate in the Insane Boxing Promotions Tournament. The event will take place at the Pride Fighting Academy on Hope Street in Cape Town next Saturday, 27 April.