Rabali derby ends in bloodbath

The much-awaited derby between long-standing rivals Matanda Rockers FC and Rabali Pull Together FC turned into a tragedy, leaving one man dead and his brother hospitalised.

The two teams were contesting for the title of champion in their stream in the Safa Vhembe Hollywood Bets league. The league decider was played last Saturday (18 May) at Tshifulanani Stadium as the fixture was moved away from the Rabali Soccer Grounds because of threats of violent behaviour from fans there.

The previous clash between the two teams at Rabali ended in chaos when Rockers supporters stormed the pitch, accusing the referee of favouritism. The match was abandoned after supporters from both teams started fighting and ignored calls to leave the field.

According to one of the fans who attended the past weekend’s clash at Tshifulanani Stadium, the game ended in a draw, which was enough for Pull Together to be crowned champions as they only needed one point.

“After the game, Rabali supporters invaded the pitch and threatened to attack Rockers’ coach with okapis (knives), but the coach managed to escape with his players. That's when the chaos started and one of Rockers’ fans was stabbed,” he said. The fighting is believed to be related to the previous conflict at Rabali.

The seriously injured fan, later identified as Steward Ramathuthu, was taken to Tshilidzini Hospital, where he was admitted. As of Wednesday, he was still recovering in the hospital.

On Sunday, 19 May, Steward’s younger brother, Martin Ramathuthu (29) from Tshituni Thembaluvhilo village in Nzhelele, went to Ha-Rabali, seemingly to seek revenge. His actions there ultimately led to his demise.

Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi said the incident happened at 11:30. He said the police had received a call from a concerned community member, informing them that Ramathuthu was breaking windows at the house belonging to Mr Mukovhe Masakona. He also allegedly pointed a gun at Mukovhe's wife.

Dathi said that when the police arrived at the scene, they were informed that the suspect had been assaulted by community members next to Rabali Primary School. “The police proceeded to the place where the victim was, and they found him lying on the ground with multiple burn marks all over his body.” Ramathuthu was still breathing but unable to speak.

While the police were scrutinising the victim’s body, community members handed over a firearm, an empty magazine, a knife, and black trousers, saying these items belonged to the victim. The victim was taken to Siloam Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

W/O Dathi said the deceased had seemingly visited the house of the person he suspected of stabbing his brother, but had not found the right person. “He proceeded to Machekecheke’s kraal, where he again repeated what he did at Mukovhe's house.” Ramathuthu allegedly pointed a gun at Mr Dakalo Matsheketsheke and fired a shot in the air. When Dakalo called other community members for assistance, they quickly responded and chased after Ramathuthu.

Dathi said that, according to their information, the deceased was caught by the community members who took a firearm and a knife from him before severely assaulting him. One empty cartridge was also found at the scene. “The suspects have not yet been identified and no arrests have been made,” Dathi added.

The father of the deceased, Mr Takalani Ramathuthu, said he was devastated by the news that one of his sons had died while the other was fighting for his life in the hospital. “I have just buried their mother last year. He was a son close to my heart and has left behind three siblings. We hope the law takes its course,” Ramathuthu said. He added that Martin was the one who used to assist him a lot around the house.

The family is currently busy with funeral arrangements and would be thankful for any kind of assistance in covering the cost of the funeral.

Rockers’ coach Elelwani ‘Killer’ Siavhe said he had sent a request to SAFA Vhembe to transfer the team to another stream next season. He expressed concerns about the safety of his players.

The police are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact the investigating officer, Sgt Lerovha Mashudu Fortune, at 072 943 5360.

Date:24 May 2024

By: Maanda Bele

Maanda  Bele, born and raised in Nzhelele Siloam, studied journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology.

He is passionate about current news and international affairs.

He worked as part of the Zoutnet team as an intern in 2017.

He is currently a freelance journalist specialising in news from the Vhembe district.

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