POLOKWANE – A family in Rabali is living in fear after the 18-year-old woman accused of stabbing and killing a 32-year-old woman at a local liquor outlet was released from jail on warning without their knowledge.

The killings of young people at liquor outlets in the Mphephu policing area have become a growing concern for both the police and the community.

The suspect appeared in court on October 2 and was released on warning as she is seven months pregnant. Her case has been postponed to December 10.

The deceased, Thabelo Kwinda, was buried on September 27 at Makungwi.

Her mother, Langanani Kwinda, said the family had hoped the suspect would remain in custody while investigations continued.

“We were only informed by the community that she had been released. We are broken and disappointed, but there’s nothing we can do. It’s really difficult,” she said.

Kwinda added that the court’s decision had reopened the family’s wounds.

“It feels like only yesterday we buried our loved one, and now that young woman is walking free. We do not feel safe. We are deeply disappointed,” she said, criticising the police for what she described as poor handling of the case.

Community representative Phathutshedzo Mukhaningi of the Musikitedzi Group shared the family’s frustration.

“We are very disappointed with what has happened. We have nothing against the suspect, but we expected the matter to go to trial so that justice could be served,” he said.

Mukhaningi added that the community still hopes the charges will proceed and that the suspect will face trial.