School pupil murdered in Ntshawini believed to have been witness in mother’s murder

Police sources allege the teenager who was shot and killed in the street in Ntshawini last Friday was a key witness in a murder investigation – that of her own mother.

Sixteen-year-old Rethabile Mashile’s mother was murdered in a Durban township six months ago.

However, Rethabile’s aunt, Hlengiwe Dludla, denied the teenager was a witness, claiming she had not been with her mother at the time of her murder.

“However, the execution style of murder was similar in both cases. We are still waiting for police to make an arrest for her mother’s murder,” said Dludla.

But whatever the outcome of investigations, the cold-blooded killing of the teenager sent a chilling reminder of the rampant criminality in local townships.

According to witnesses, Rethabile was walking home from school in the township outside KwaDukuza with a friend when an unknown gunman, who had been following them, shot her in the neck at close range.

The man reportedly covered his face with a hat and approached the girls from behind.

In the week prior, three KwaDukuza community policing forum members were shot and wounded while patrolling in Ntshawini.

One has since been discharged while the other two remain in hospital.

Ntshawini is reportedly riddled with gang violence.

KwaDukuza CPF chairperson Dr Mfuneni Zungu raised concerns over why Mashile, if she was a witness to a murder case, was not under police protection.

He called on anyone with information to come forward as Ntshawini is heavily populated, and the incident occurred in broad daylight.

“It is very disappointing to see a young girl being killed like this. The man who shot her was allegedly carrying a photo, which he looked at before pulling the trigger.

“No belongings of hers or her friend were taken. This was a clear hit on the young lady’s life. It cannot be that no one saw anything. We urge anyone who might have information to come forward. Someone’s child was killed and if nothing is done, it might be yours or mine next,” said Dr Zungu.

KwaDukuza Mayor Lindile Nhaca described the incident as a “desperate but senseless killing” and urged law enforcement to leave no stone unturned.

She extended her condolences to Mashile’s family, friends and schoolmates.

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