The police in Thembisa, Gauteng, are investigating two gruesome murders that took place on April 1.

In the first incident, a woman, Thobile Happiness Mahlangu, was raped and murdered. Her family recently spoke out after their loved one’s tragic death.

According to Sibongile Mahlangu, the spokesperson for the Mahlangu family, Hapiness was last seen with a group of friends near Emfihlweni.

“Happiness was having a good time with her friends at the local spot when she realised it was getting late and told them she wanted to leave and go home.

“It is alleged that a man known to her volunteered to walk her home to protect or keep her safe, given the trauma of the prior rape she experienced.

“She accepted the offer because the accused was one of the people who had discovered her in her prior unfortunate situation, and that was the last time everyone saw her with him.

“We don’t know what happened along the way that motivated him to take my sister’s life, just as we don’t know what led to her death because she was discovered injured and half-naked in the graveyard.

“This is the most devastating news our family has ever had to hear.

“We lost one of the loveliest personalities. Happiness was our last born and was adored by all. She was loved for her honesty and ability to avoid skirting the truth.

“She did not want to disappoint those who looked up to her, so she did not let life’s conditions bring her down. We were robbed of a beautiful soul.”

Mahlangu said that just before she died, Happiness was eagerly anticipating attending the court hearing for her earlier rape ordeal.

“We were looking forward to going to court because we thought she would get justice because the perpetrators were found.

“She was getting better, and it was obvious that she was trying to pull herself together to make a difference in the community and serve as an example for people who are afraid to call the authorities when faced with those difficulties.

She had confidence that the law would protect her rights and that God would help her through this catastrophe.

“That dream was quickly shattered because her life was taken away.”

Mahlangu said Happiness was one of the most adored members of the community, so when she died, everyone was left devastated.

A second complaint was received on April 1 at around 22:30, and a sector responded to a murder scene in the Emfihlweni area on Mbatha Street. The man was allegedly burnt to death by the community members.

According to the Tembisa South SAPS communication officer, Constable Kate Selepe, officers on the scene interviewed the witnesses.

“It was then discovered that the murder of the male could be linked to the Thembisa South murder of a 31-year-old woman who was found deceased on the ground at Emfihlweni Graveyard on the same day.

“The community decided to exact revenge on the man allegedly responsible for the rape and murder of a woman at Emfihlweni Cemetery was slain by the mob on a Saturday night.

“The station commander of Tembisa South discouraged the act of mob justice and the community from taking the law into their own hands. No suspect has been arrested so far, and police are still investigating both cases.”

Anyone with information may contact the police station on 011 571 4000.