Boyfriend found hanging in chicken pen at Manavhela

Residents of Manavhela village are in shock and deeply concerned after the body of Nkululeko Maluleke, a resident of Mavambe village in the Malamulele area, was found hanging from the roof inside an incomplete building. The 28-year-old man’s body was found on Sunday, 2 June, at around 06:00 at a chicken pen near his girlfriend’s home.

Reports suggest that Maluleke was experiencing personal challenges, but the exact circumstances that seemed to lead him to take his own life remain unknown. The deceased was reportedly residing with his girlfriend but would frequently visit his family.

His sister, Ms Miehleketo Xikuku, said that his death had come as a surprise to them as he had never shown any signs of depression. “He was a loving and happy person, but he never shared any problems with us, leaving us with many unanswered questions,” she said.

Mr Jeremia Murovhi, chairperson of the Manavhela Civic Association, extended his condolences to the family of the deceased. “It came as a shock to us, and we sent members of the civic group to find out what had happened and to show support to the family. However, no information was disclosed to them as such cases are hard to understand,” he said.

Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi stated that the deceased’s girlfriend, Ms. Constance Mudau, had pointed out to the police where the deceased was. “Indeed, officers then discovered a male person hanging, with no signs of life, inside the incomplete building of the chicken kraal. No suicide note was left. Members of the EMS personnel certified him dead, and no foul play is suspected,” said Dathi.

Nkululeko was laid to rest at Phuphula Graveyard on Saturday, 8 June.

Date:13 June 2024

By: Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area.

Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.

Read: 1796