The disappearance of 62-year-old farmer David Netshilaphala has ended in tragedy.
What began as a routine visit to his kraal at Xikundu village on 27 February 2025 soon turned into a heart-wrenching mystery that left his community reeling.
On that fateful day, Netshilaphala discovered that three of his cattle had gone missing. This was a familiar concern for many farmers in the area, but what followed was far more sinister.
After he failed to return home, and with no word from him, a missing person report was filed at the Saselamani SAPS on 1 March 2025.
In the days that followed, the tension in Xikundu village grew. The local community, fearing the worst, turned to vigilantism.
Suspecting foul play, residents took matters into their own hands, burning down six houses believed to be connected to those they accused of being responsible for the farmer’s disappearance.
While the community’s anger and frustration were evident, one person was arrested and charged with arson in connection to the house burnings.
Despite these intense actions, the police investigation continued. On Monday, 10 March 2025, a breakthrough came when local farmers provided valuable information to investigators.
This led authorities to Shimausa and Tiyani Magoro villages in the Hlanganani policing area, within the Mopani District.
Here, police arrested two suspects, both between the ages of 21 and 31, who were linked to both the murder and the theft of Netshilaphala’s cattle.
The suspects, after being taken into custody, led investigators to a remote location where the body of the missing farmer had been discarded.
Tragically, the body was positively identified as David Netshilaphala after a confirmation from his family members.
With this discovery, the community’s worst fears were realized. The suspects now face charges of murder and stock theft.
They are scheduled to appear in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, where they will face justice for the brutal crime that has shaken the entire region.
