Zimbabweans in deadly fight over a Limpopo woman

Two Zimbabwean brothers accused of hacking a man to death with an axe and severely injuring a woman in a Limpopo village have appeared in court and were remanded in custody.

The brothers, Johannes Makhura, 20, and his elder brother, Jonas Makhura, 55, were arrested after a bloody altercation in Wegdraai Village, Maleboho, reportedly sparked by a fight over a woman.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the charges facing the pair.

"The younger brother, Johannes Makhura, has been charged with murder, defeating the ends of justice, and contravening the Immigration Act," said Ledwaba. "His elder brother, Jonas Makhura, is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and contravening the Immigration Act."

The younger sibling was arrested shortly after the attack, and police recovered the axe allegedly used in the crime. The elder brother was later tracked down in the Alldays policing area, allegedly attempting to flee the country.

"He was found hiding inside a truck headed towards Zimbabwe and carrying a bag of clothes in an attempt to escape," Ledwaba said.

Both suspects appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. They were remanded in custody until 15 September 2025, when the matter will be heard at the Maleboho Periodical Court.

Meanwhile, Limpopo's provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the swift arrest of the brothers and applauded community members for helping police track down the alleged killers.

"This was a brutal act of violence. We call upon communities to continue working closely with the police. We will not tolerate such despicable behaviour, and no one is above the law," said Hadebe.