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Shock and disbelief have gripped the quiet village of Thengwe in Mutale, Limpopo, after a 26-year-old teacher, once a contestant on Deal or No Deal, was gunned down after attending an all-night church service.
The woman, whose identity has not yet been publicly released by authorities, was a key witness and victim in a high-profile rape case involving self-proclaimed pastor Phathutshedzo “Prophet Muritho” Sikhuba.
According to police, the shooting occurred at around 4 a.m. on Saturday as the young teacher was boarding a taxi home from a night of prayer. An unidentified gunman opened fire, killing her instantly and leaving two others — a 69-year-old woman and a 55-year-old taxi driver — critically injured.
Murder Sends Shockwaves
The brutal killing has sent shockwaves across Limpopo and beyond, reigniting outrage over the growing trend of violence against women and witnesses involved in criminal cases.
Police confirmed that a case of murder and attempted murder has been opened but would not comment on possible suspects or motives.
“We are investigating all angles, including whether the incident is linked to the ongoing court case involving Prophet Sikhuba,” said Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba. “No arrests have been made, and investigations are continuing.”
Residents of Thengwe say the victim had lived in constant fear since testifying against the prophet earlier this year. Friends revealed that she had received threats and pressure from church members urging her to withdraw her complaint.
Pressure and Threats Before the Shooting
According to local sources, several church members allegedly approached the young woman, offering therapy and financial compensation in exchange for dropping the charges. She refused.
“She told them she would not be silenced,” said community member Claudia Tshilidzi. “They tried to convince her to withdraw the case and promised to help her heal. When she refused, the threats started. Now she’s gone.”
Tshilidzi’s statement echoes fears shared widely online. Social media platforms were flooded with outrage as news of the killing spread, with users questioning how such a brazen act could happen just days before the next court appearance.
“She’s dead because she stood for the truth,” one Facebook user wrote. “They killed her after church, after praying. What kind of world is this?”
A Community in Mourning
Residents gathered outside her family home on Sunday afternoon, lighting candles and singing hymns. The mood was sombre, with many expressing anger that police failed to protect her, despite her known role as a witness in a sensitive case.
“This is not just a murder — it’s a message meant to silence others,” said local youth leader, Pertunia Thakhani. “Now, who will ever feel safe enough to testify?”
Community members described the victim as a devoted teacher, deeply loved by her pupils. She reportedly taught mathematics and life orientation at a nearby primary school and was known for mentoring girls on education and self-respect.
Her death, residents say, has left a “deep wound” in the community — not just for her family, but for all who believed in justice.
Prophet Muritho’s Controversial Past
Phathutshedzo “Prophet Muritho” Sikhuba, the man at the centre of the case, is a self-styled spiritual leader who runs an independent church in Venda.
He was arrested earlier this year after multiple women accused him of rape and sexual exploitation under the guise of “spiritual cleansing”. He has denied all charges and remains out on R10,000 bail.
Sources close to the investigation say the murdered teacher was one of the main witnesses expected to testify when the trial resumed next month. Her death is likely to have major implications for the prosecution’s case.
“She was brave,” said a fellow congregant who asked not to be named. “She stood up when others were too scared. She believed God would protect her. It’s devastating that this happened just after church.”
Public Outcry and Calls for Witness Protection
The shooting has reignited debate about the safety of witnesses in South Africa, especially in cases involving influential or religious figures.
Civil rights groups and legal experts say the system has failed to safeguard those who come forward, with many forced to live in fear or go into hiding after testifying.
“We cannot continue losing lives like this,” said legal activist Tumelo Ramashia. “If witnesses are being killed, then justice cannot prevail. It sends the message that the powerful can silence anyone.”
Police have not confirmed whether the victim was under official protection at the time of her death.
Online Reactions
The murder sparked a wave of grief and anger across social media:
- @ClaudiaTshilidzi wrote: “She was a key witness. They tried to bribe her, and when she refused, they killed her. After all-night prayer. This is evil.”
- @TshdyTebogo commented: “Protect witnesses in future. Look at the ending result.”
- @OwethuOwami added: “Even my sister was shot after church. When will this stop?”
Others shared photos of the victim’s memorial flyer, showing her smiling in a white dress, born October 13, 1999, and killed just two days before her 26th birthday.
Police and Government Response
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba has expressed condolences to the family, calling the incident “a dark day for justice and for women in this province.”
She urged police to act swiftly and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“This young woman showed courage that few have,” Ramathuba said. “We cannot allow her death to be in vain.”
Meanwhile, police have stepped up patrols around Thengwe and nearby villages, fearing possible unrest as anger mounts over the killing.
The Fight for Justice Continues
The family has announced that the funeral service will be held at the Apostolic Faith Mission Church on 17 October 2025, where hundreds are expected to attend.
The murder has left South Africans questioning the country’s ability to protect women and uphold justice — especially when the accused hold influence and power.
As the sun sets over Thengwe, one truth lingers painfully clear:
A young woman went to pray for peace — and met her death instead.
Her courage will be remembered, but her silence now echoes louder than any sermon preached in Prophet Muritho’s church.
