The Rapodile family is still struggling to come to terms with the death of their sister and her daughter (4) who were allegedly murdered and burnt at their home in Putfontein on June 2.
Nonhlanhla and her daughter Hlelokuhle were murdered and burnt at their home in Mina Nawe, Mayfield, Putfontein, allegedly by Nonhlanhla’s boyfriend, Antony Monyakeni.
The 33-year-old man appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on June 6, charged with two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice and malicious damage to property.
Themba Rapodile, Nonhlanhla’s uncle, said the family is still shocked by the incident.
“As a family we are heartbroken and we are still trying to accept what has happened. It has not yet sunk in that Nonhlanhla and Hlelokuhle are no longer with us,” said Rapodile.
He described Nonhlanhla as a people’s person, loving, caring and sociable.
Putfontein SAPS spokesperson Const Justice Ramaube said police were called by neighbours when they noticed flames coming from the house.
“Police managed to track the suspect down and arrested him shortly after the incident,” said Ramaube.
“When he was arrested he allegedly admitted that there had been an argument between him and his girlfriend during which he said he pushed her against a stove, knocking her unconscious.
“He told police that when he realised she wasn’t waking up he left the house and then returned and apparently suffocated the child with a pillow before setting their bodies alight.”
Monyakeni will reappear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on June 11 for a bail hearing to be set.
He was arrested on the day of the incident, in Mayfield, Putfontein.
A memorial service for Nonhlanhla and Hlelokuhle was held on June 7 at Letsha Primary School, in Daveyton.
Their funeral will take place on June 9 at the Oasis Family Life Church, in Daveyton.
Also read: Girlfriend, child (4) allegedly murdered by boyfriend
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
