The worship leader, Funanani Mbedzi, has died. Her husband killed her in their church during an Easter celebration on 30 March at about 18:00.
South African police say the man shot his wife several times inside the church in Makonde Shadani village, which is outside of Thohoyandou, around 6 p.m. while the community was worshipping.
A spokesman for the Limpopo SAPS, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed the crime and said the husband left the scene of the crime after killing his partner.
“The reason for this horrible event is still unknown, but domestic violence is not impossible.” The man turned himself into the cops yesterday after two days on the run.
Ledwaba says that the suspect’s licenced gun, which was probably used to commit the crime, was taken away when he was arrested.
The Worship House Reaction;
Mbedzi was in the praise group Worship House, which won awards. The singer, who was 45 years old, had been with the group since 2004. The song “Orii dekela tafula” was on their most recent record, Worship House Project 20.
Worship House said on Instagram on Monday;
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of one of our lead singers.” Funi’ Khavhanndwele’ Mbedzi started with a Worship house in Project 2. She will be greatly missed. We will share more news regarding her burial soon.”
“Due to the recently shared news regarding one of our member’s passing, the album launch has been canceled for the 6th of April 2024. A new date will be announced soon.
“Thank you for all the support especially in these hard times that we are going through as the Worship House Family.”
According to the Limpopo Chronicle, the deceased gospel singer’s pastor, Dr Tshifhiwa Ndou Netshaphaphame, confirmed that she and her husband were going through marital problems. He said the deceased and the suspect were going through a divorce.
“I knew their problems and as their pastor had been trying to help resolve them,” said Netshaphaphame.
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“It never showed that the man was troubled. Even when the late [wife] was not staying at their home I used to have conversations with him. Even with the Wife because the aim was to see them reconcile.”
As a result of the incident, Netshaphaphame said that they were forced to cut short their three-day conference and have enlisted the services of a psychologist.
“Our intention was to have the conference until Sunday but after the incident, we had to cancel. We have also outsourced the services of a clinical psychologist. Yes, we are who pray but with such incidents, we also need professional help.”
Culled Source
