Mutale Mourns Tragic Death of Officer

The community of Mutale is in mourning following the brutal murder of Mbulaheni Patrick Netshidzivhani, a well-known and respected traffic officer at the Mutale Traffic Centre. Netshidzivhani, aged 56, was hijacked and killed at the Khunguni mountains on 19 January. His lifeless body was discovered on 21 January after an extensive search.

Netshidzivhani had been reported missing after failing to return home from his routine fitness exercises. An investigation led police to discover his vehicle, which was marked ‘for sale’ at R9,000. Four suspects, including three men and one woman, were apprehended. Two suspects, Rotshidzwa Munyai (25) and Muano Nekhubvi (21), have been linked to the murder.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Netshidzivhani was strangled. The suspects appeared in Mutale Magistrate Court on January 16 and remain in custody as the investigation continues.

The late officer’s brother, Mmbengeni Netshidzivhani, described him as a dedicated professional and expressed shock over the senseless crime. Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the investigative team for their swift action, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of Senior Provincial Inspector Netshidzivhani.

The MEC for Transport, Violet Mathye, visited the bereaved family in Hamakhuvha village to offer condolences, assuring them that “God shall always be with them during this difficult time.”