Asemahle Mnconywa (25), the sister of Aqhama (3) who went missing at the Crocodile River near Schagen, Mpumalanga, in April, has died.

According to Lowvelder, Mnconywa died on Saturday after reportedly eating a burger and drinking two bottles of beer while on her way home. Velly Maphanga says her death adds to an already devastating series of events for the family.

“She called her boyfriend and said she was on her way home and that he must not lock the door. After arriving, she took her usual antidepressants and went straight to bed. Her boyfriend later noticed she was sweating heavily and unresponsive. He turned her over and found her foaming at the mouth,” explains Maphanga.

An ambulance was called but reportedly never arrived. Maphanga says Mnconywa initially appeared to stabilise, and the yellow bile she vomited was thought to be a result of the alcohol she had consumed. “She returned to bed, but 10 minutes later she stopped breathing. Her boyfriend again called the police and emergency services. She was declared dead at the scene. Her autopsy later confirmed that she had been poisoned,” Maphanga adds.

He strongly denies allegations circulating on social media that Mnconywa had taken her own life. The family has now suffered the loss of a mother and two daughters.

Mnconywa’s mother, Akhona, was killed and her younger sister, Aqhama, went missing after a tragic accident on the N4 near Schagen on April 13. Seven passengers were thrown from the vehicle when the bakkie they were travelling in suffered a burst tyre and crashed into a bridge over the Crocodile River.

Despite ongoing efforts by divers, the toddler has still not been found. Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli confirms the search for Aqhama continues.

Maphanga urges the police to investigate Mnconywa’s death and ensure that anyone responsible is brought to justice.

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