Teen’s alleged killers possibly linked to Chatsworth nature reserve murders

While Navishka’s body was found dumped in a dense bush, the body of 35-year-old Siphelele Dimba was slumped in the front seat of car while the body of Lungisani Lucky Xhoza (41) was discovered in the boot. Another friend, aged 25, survived the brutal attack and is recovering in hospital.

Navishka’s dreams of becoming a qualified nurse after completing her matric at Asoka Secondary School in Moorton, had been dashed after she sustained a fatal bullet wound to her head.

Finding it difficult to come to terms with her daughter’s death, grieving, single mother, Lavina Roopnarain (43), who recently lost her job as a caregiver, said she is not yet ready to face the killers, who brutally took her only daughter’s life.

“My daughter wanted a better life for herself as she planned to complete matric at Asoka Secondary School and train to become a professional nurse. All I want now is closure. I want to know how did she end up in Lamontville after she left the house to fetch a book from her friend,” she said.

Describing her child, Roopnarain shared that she had a ‘heart of gold’.

She also stated that Navishka could not stand anybody in pain. “As a mother, she was more than a daughter to me. Navishka was my best friend and the bond we shared was extraordinary and amazing,” she emotionally said. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Silverglen Conservancy, Shaun Hammond welcomed the arrests.

“I was confident that the killers would eventually be arrested. The Bayview detective branch is one of the few units, who commit to thorough investigations, especially cases of murder, rape and armed robbery. Now I am hoping that the National Prosecuting Authority will play their role in locking away these ruthless criminals for multiple life terms,” he commented.

Provincial police spokeswoman, Cpt Nqobile Gwala, confirmed that four men, aged between 23 and 24, were located at a house in Lamontville.

“The suspects were found in unlawful possession of three firearms and eleven rounds of ammunition. Police also seized rock cocaine, a flat screen TV as well as a vehicle that was found on the premises. Three cases of murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and drug possession were opened for investigation at the Lamontville police station. The suspects were remanded in custody until April 28 for the state to conduct an ID parade,” she concluded.

An investigation will follow to confirm and establish if the suspects can be linked to the murders of Jabulani Gwace and Mduduzi Hlafuna, who were killed while on duty at the nature reserve.

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