Gospel singer Funi “Khavhanndwele” Mbedzi was allegedly shot and killed by her husband during a church service at Makonde Shadani village in Limpopo on Saturday, 30 March at about 18:00.
The suspect entered the premises while the congregation was engaged in worship and fired multiple shots at the victim, resulting in her untimely death.
The suspect then fled the scene in a silver-grey Toyota Corolla. He was arrested after he handed himself to the police on Monday afternoon.
Worship House took to Instagram to inform their followers and send condelescence to the family of Funi.
“It is with heavy hearts that one of our lead singer has passed away. Funi ‘Khavhanndwele’ Mbedzi started with Worship house since Project 2. She will be dearly missed. We will share more info regarding her burial soon.”
The music group also postponed its upcoming event.
“Due to the recent shared news regarding one of our member’s passing, the album launch has been cancelled 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. Let’s continue praying for the affected family.”
During the arrest, a licensed firearm believed to have been used to commit the crime was confiscated.
The suspect will appear in Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 03 April .
COUPLE GOING THROUGH DIVORCE
Limpopo Chronicle also reports that the gospel singer’s pastor, Dr Tshifhiwa Ndou Netshaphaphame, confirmed that she and her husband were going through marital problems. He said the deceased and suspect were going through a divorce.
“I knew their problems and as their pastor had been trying to help resolve them,” said Netshaphaphame.
“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,” said Netshaphaphame