Friends and family of 36-year-old Thando Nomcebo Nkosi last saw her alive on Friday, April 25, in Kwatas. She said she was going home, but never got there. Her lifeless body was found on Tuesday last week in an overgrown area in Kwatas. According to information received, people from the dumpsite were searching for their pigs when they stumbled upon the body. They immediately informed the police, as well as Ward Councillor Elaine Rodway, who in turn notified all other relevant parties. An investigation is ongoing.
The Kwatas community is outraged about the incident, saying the municipality needs to ‘see to’ the area’s overgrown grass and bushes. They believe this creates the opportunity for criminals to lurk in the vicinity, preying on women and other innocent / defenceless people within their community.
SAPS Forensic Services attended to the scene. Further investigation and a postmortem will determine the exact cause of death.
Ward Councillor Elaine Rodway expressed her discontent, saying, “I would firstly like to extend my condolences to those directly affected by this heinous crime. We must acknowledge that we are all affected by this horrific act of violence that has shaken our community once again. An act of violence against our women and children is an act of violence against our whole community.
“I would also like to thank the Vryheid Herald for responding to the call to bring attention to our plight.
“I have spoken to our honourable mayor and we will be planning a march to highlight the issue of violence against women and children. We will not be silent while our most vulnerable are being savagely attacked, raped and murdered.
“I humbly request our community to stand with us and be a collective voice for the women and children whose lives have been lost, families destroyed and communities shattered. Let us stand together to call for justice and put an end to violence against women and children.
“To the men of our community, I encourage you to protect our women and children. Keep them safe and guard them from this evil that has crept into our community. Let us not allow any further opportunities for these crimes to occur.
“Please avoid situations where you can be targeted, don’t walk alone in secluded areas, and report any suspicious activity to the police. If you have any information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of these terrible crimes, please don’t be silent. I will post the details of the march as soon as the arrangements have been finalised.
“We have been requesting for the overgrown areas to be cleared for far too long. We cannot change what goes on in the minds of those who commit these crimes, but we must not make it so easy for them. These overgrown areas provide too many hiding places and I implore those who are responsible for keeping these areas maintained to take this responsibility very seriously. We cannot allow more women and children to suffer the same awful and tragic fate.”

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