South African man allegedly flees to Zim after the brutal murder of his wife

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A 34-year-old South African man is suspected of fleeing to Zimbabwe after allegedly killing his 29-year-old wife in the Free State, according to the South African Police Services.

The brutal killing has drawn widespread condemnation, with Limpopo’s Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, vowing justice for the victim.

According to the police, the sequence of events began on 17 January 2025, when the couple, originally from Mutale in the Vhembe District, were reported missing under the Moroka SAPS in Gauteng. On January 20, 2025, Musina police received a tip-off from a vehicle tracking company about a white Ford Ranger with Limpopo registration parked at a residence in Campbell. The vehicle, belonging to the missing couple, had raised suspicions after its owner failed to reappear.

Suspicious Circumstances Surrounding the Murder

Police investigated and learned that a man intending to cross into Zimbabwe had dropped off the vehicle at the Campbell residence.

“The owner (of the house) explained that he had kept the bakkie in his yard with permission from the male owner, who had borrowed a large amount of cash and indicated he intended to cross the border to Zimbabwe for spiritual assistance due to issues at his workplace,” said Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.

Inside the vehicle, authorities found bloodstains, empty cartridges from both a rifle and a 9mm pistol, live ammunition, two pistol magazines, and a pair of black gloves.

The investigation reached a devastating milestone on 22 January 2025, when police discovered the 29-year-old woman’s body in the bushes along the N1 near Kromdraai in the Free State. She had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities confirmed her husband crossed the Verkeerdeveli Toll Gate alone that same evening.

Arrest and Ongoing Murder Investigation

Police made a breakthrough when they arrested a 24-year-old suspect linked to the crime in the Tshamutumbu policing area. The suspect was found in possession of two firearms, including a hunting rifle, during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Musina Police and Vala Umgodi MAJOC Roving Team.

Meanwhile, Nemangwele remains at large. Investigators believe he crossed into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Port of Entry shortly after the murder. Police are appealing to the public for assistance in locating him.

A Call for Justice

If you have information about Dakalo Nemangwele’s whereabouts, contact Lieutenant Colonel Shuhani Rendani at 082 414 6683. You can also call Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App to provide tips.