Extension 17 residents were picketing outside the Evander Magistrate’s Court to demand harsh punishment for the notorious eMbalenhle rape and murder suspect on Monday, 14 January.
The man suspected of Mihle Zingamo’s death was arrested on Friday, 11 January, following a lengthy, intense police investigation.
This is the man whose house was torched in November after he allegedly confessed that he was responsible for the rapes in the area.
Read the November article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/128355/justiceformihle-12-year-old-girl-raped-murdered-dumped-street-embalenhle/
Police managed to rescue the suspect from the angry mob and conducted a DNA test.
The results later came back positive, hence the arrest.
According to the police the suspect is currently appearing in court in connection with the rape and murder cases of Mihle Zingamo and Cynthia Masilela.
Mihle’s body was found dumped in the street with her hands and feet tied with pieces of plastic, a few hours after she was reported missing on Wednesday, 7 November.
The girl accompanied her aunt earlier that day to a hair salon in the area.
Mihle complained of hunger and left her aunt to return home, but never reached home.
Cynthia’s body was found dumped behind the old municipal building in Extension 17 in 2016.
There are other similar rape and murder cases in the area that the police are still investigating including the case of the two Nkutha siblings.
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/129604/locals-remembers-that-were-killed-in-gender-based-violence/
Residents seen picketing outside the court on Monday, expressed their gratitude that justice is being served and hope that the suspect will be denied bail and rot in jail.
“We are here today to support the families of the victims and to demand that the court does not release the suspect on bail.
“We are glad that the police have finally arrested the suspect, because we were living in fear knowing that he is walking free.
“Now that he is arrested, he must confess and tell the police who he was collaborating with.
“We will continue to support the families till the end of this case.” The families of the young victims are grateful that the suspect has been arrested and believe that this will bring some form of closure.
Mr Dumisani Dladla, Mihle’s father, said “Our family is relieved, though nothing will bring my daughter back. We hope that he will get the punishment he deserves for such cruelty. We want to thank the law enforcers and the community who have supported us through this painful journey.”
The Court postponed the case to 22 January.
