Woman’s month murder infuriates locals
'No one deserves to die this way and everyone is angered by the fact that this was not the only woman killed this month'
Members of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) and Sanco protested in front of the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court on 29 August, in opposition to a bail request filed by murder suspect Tshepo Chauke just a few days prior to his second appearance in this court.
Chauke is accused of murdering his female companion of three years, Ayanda Zwane, on Friday, 19 August. Family members of the deceased claim that Zwane was visiting her grandmother on that day when she received a phone call from her neighbour saying that Chauke had an unknown female visitor in their house.
Zwane allegedly went home immediately after the call and confronted Chauke. The neighbour claims he heard a loud argument between the deceased and the accused, and then a sudden silence.
“After the silence, we believe Chauke took my sister’s body and put it in her own car before driving off,” said Zanehle Msibi, Zwane’s sister.
“He stopped at a petrol station to fill a 5 litre can with petrol. The car, with Zwane’s body in the boot, was allegedly set alight later. It was discovered some time later by a number of passersby.”
Zwane is survived by her two children, aged 13 and 1. Msibi said she now fears that her sister’s children will grow up without a strong female role-model. “Ayanda was such a great mother to the children and she was respected among her peers,” she said. “The accused has no idea what damage he has done to the children’s future. They needed their mother so badly.”
George Xolelizwe, chairperson of Zonal Structure and member of Sanco says he is disgusted that such a crime has taken place within women’s month. “She died a brutal and tragic death,” George said.
“No one deserves to die this way and everyone is angered by the fact that this was not the only woman killed this month.”
The regional courtroom was filled with members of the community, Sanco, the ANCYL and family. Unrest prevailed when Chauke entered the courtroom briefly. The case was postponed due to apparent schedule conflicts of his legal representatives.
Chauke will appear in court again on Thursday, 1 September when a decision will be made about his bail request.
Related articles:
Woman’s body found on side of the road
Another broker’s body found in car’s boot
Body found near private school
Commotion after body was found in vehicle
