Decomposed body might be that of missing deputy headmaster

Hopes of finding Thohoyandou Technical High School deputy headmaster Mr Humbulani Nepfumbada (63) alive suffered a major setback this week following the discovery of a decomposed body in the Vuwani area, which police now suspect may be his.

Nepfumbada, who lives in Lwamondo Matatani village, disappeared under mysterious circumstances on Saturday, 10 January. According to Vhembe SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Vuledzani Dathi, he was last seen at around 19:00 at his wife’s residence, from where he intended to travel to his own home. He never arrived. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a green-and-white shirt and brown trousers.

A desperate search involving police and family members was launched, but no trace of Nepfumbada was found. His cellphone has remained unreachable, going straight to voicemail since the night he vanished.

The case took a dramatic turn on Monday morning, 26 January, when police discovered the partially decomposed, half-naked body of a man at Lwamondo Madimbo village, near Vhavenda Bricks, at around 07:00. An inquest docket was opened, with police initially unable to identify the deceased.

Later developments raised fears that the body could be that of the missing deputy headmaster. A family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the family had been summoned by police following the discovery. A bank card belonging to Nepfumbada was allegedly found at the scene, heightening suspicions. However, police stressed that DNA testing is required before a positive identification can be made.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Mashudu Ramukosi, on 072 518 8641.

Date:30 January 2026

By: Silas Nduvheni

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