Phora laid to rest, suspects still at large

Family, friends and community members converged at Lenkwaneng Village in Ntwane, Dennilton, on 9 August to pay their last respect to 26-year-old Tamia Phora, whose body was discovered near Thabakhubedu Village in Ntwane on 2 August.

Phora was kidnapped from Thabakhubedu Village on 1 August after two men allegedly forced open the door of a bedroom in which she was on August 1 evening when her boyfriend was away.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, said a gunshot was reportedly heard shortly after the kidnapping.

Ledwaba said the single gunshot was heard from a short distance from the house where the Phora was allegedly forcefully taken.

A case of kidnapping was immediately opened at SAPS Dennilton. Phora’s body was found near the Ntwane soccer ground with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body in the early hours of 2 August.

She was positively identified by her family and Emergency Medical Services personnel certified her dead on the scene. The motive behind the kidnapping and murder remains unknown but investigations will reveal.

The incident has left Phora’s family members in shock. Lillian Phora, Tamia’s aunt described Phora as a very good person. “We have lost a good child and are all deeply saddened by what happened to her,” Lillian said.

Phora’s mother, Joyce Phora, is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her only daughter. The family said they will find closure and heal if the perpetrators are found.

Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers has strongly condemned the incident and directed the investigators to work tirelessly to trace and arrest those responsible.

Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is requested to contact Investigation Officer Sergeant Linda Malefahlo on 079 524 1351, or visit the nearest police station, call Crime Stop 08600 10111.

Alternatively, they can use the My SAPS App.