Victor Matome Rampedi (36) appeared in the Thembisa Magistrate’s Court yesterday (September 29) in connection with the murder of Ntombifuthi Nxumalo at Mooifontein Cemetery, reports Kempton Express.

Rampedi remains in custody after the court postponed his bail application to October 6 for further investigation, with the state opposing bail.

Rampedi was arrested in Mohlabaneng Village in Limpopo in connection with Nxumalo’s murder. He faces a murder charge classified under Schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Nxumalo’s body was discovered by members of the Vusimuzi community on September 26. According to SAPS, she was found naked with serious head injuries, while stones were found around her body, raising the possibility that she was stoned to death.

The NPA said preliminary investigations indicated Nxumalo had been drinking at a local tavern with a female acquaintance before leaving with an unidentified man.

Residents living near the cemetery allegedly heard a woman screaming and pleading for her life at about 23:00.

Police later traced Rampedi to an address in Thembisa before establishing that he had travelled to Limpopo. A joint team involving Crime Intelligence, Tembisa South detectives and investigative psychology services then worked with SAPS members in Limpopo to locate and arrest him.

Rampedi’s court appearance was his first since his arrest.

Growing concern over women’s deaths

Nxumalo’s death comes amid growing concern over women whose bodies have been discovered in Ekurhuleni since July.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in an address to the nation last night that 11 women’s bodies had been found in Ekurhuleni since July. He said a multidisciplinary team, including detectives, Crime Intelligence, forensic specialists, investigative psychologists and digital investigators, was investigating the cases.

Police have warned against speculation that the cases are necessarily linked.

Investigations into Nxumalo’s death and the circumstances surrounding the other cases are continuing.

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