“Tragic Farewell: 19-Year-Old Vhulondo Laid to Rest After Brutal Killing”

THE atmosphere in Tshitomboni village, just outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo, was sombre.

University of Venda (Univen) students gathered to pay their final respects to one of their own.

Vhulondo Nevhukhalanga (19), who was laid to rest on Saturday, 6 September, was a first-year student at Univen enrolled for Language Practice.

Described as a kind and bright student, Vhulondo’s life was tragically cut short when her 20-year-old boyfriend, Sifundo Masindi, allegedly stabbed her to death.

The incident took place on Friday, 29 August, at Ngovhela Greenstone, an accredited off-campus residence.

Speaking to Daily Sun after the incident, the family spokesman, Mbedzi Nevhukhalanga, said justice must prevail.

“We expected so much from her. She was such a bright student. As a family, we invested in her to ensure that she completes her studies and makes a better future for herself.

“We just want justice to prevail,” said Mbedzi.

Paying tribute to Vhulondo, Univen’s Student Representative Council (SRC) vowed to fight for justice.

“We are deeply saddened and don’t have much to say. We are here to show our last support. To show her love. We are going to fight for the justice that she deserves,” said Vusi Karabo Mokoena, SRC President.

Dr Takalani Dzaga, director of marketing, branding, and communication at Univen, said, “We express our deepest condolences to the family. Vhulondo was a promising young student whose life ended too soon. As the University of Venda, we stand with the family during this difficult time. We will carry Vhulondo’s memory as part of our institution’s history.”

Some students took to social media to share messages of support to the victim’s family.

“I didn’t know her, but I’m touched by the manner in which she died. Fly high, Vhulondo,” Ler Ato posted.

The suspect made his first court appearance in the Thohoyandou Magistrates Court. on Monday, 1 September.

He is facing a charge of murder.

He is scheduled to appear in court again on 26 November and remains in custody.