Residents vent fury at murders
Angry residents of Emjindini marched to the local police station on Friday after a number of young women were found dead in the area.
BARBERTON – Two women were found dead last week alone. The body of Mandisa Bridget Mdhluli (25) was discovered hanging from the roof of her home on Monday afternoon.
There has been speculation that Mdhluli might have been killed by her boyfriend, with whom she had an alleged argument the day before.
The post-mortem results confirmed that there was no foul play and her death was deemed a suicide, according to police spokesman, Capt Jabu Ndubane.
Still, the rumours persist and the marchers noted they were marching for her and Khulile Malumane (28).
Malumane’s body was discovered dumped at the Emjindini cemetery on Thursday afternoon. She had multiple gunshot wounds and was last seen with her boyfriend on Sunday evening.
Siyabonga Malandule, secretary for ANC Youth League’s Ehlanzeni region, said enough is enough with the killings of young women in the area.
We marched to the Barberton Police Station to call on commander, Col Johan Engelbrecht, to establish an intensive investigation into the murder cases. We also want the perpetrators not to be granted bail until their sentencing. “Granting them bail sets the wrong precedent to other would-be killers. It encourages them to kill because they will be granted bail,” said Malandule.
He added that they will also request the police to revoke the bail that was granted to 16-year-old Nosipho Angel Nkosi’s alleged killers.
Nathi Mavuso (24) and Moses Fakudze (20) are facing charges of rape and murder. Nosipho was killed on August 31.
Her body was discovered on September 4 with marks around her neck. It is believed that she was strangled. The accused are currently out on bail.
Engelbrecht has promised the residents that police will do their best to apprehend the suspects responsible for Malumane’s killing.
