eMbalenhle man dies defending grandad – still no arrests two years later

The Dlamini family in eMbalenhle is dissatisfied with how the eMbalenhle SAPS is handling the murder case of their son,

Mduduzi Mokwape (22), who was stabbed and later died in hospital in November 2022.

Mokwape was trying to help his grandfather, Khaya Dlamini (63), who criminals were attacking. Dlamini still struggles to talk about the incident without crying.

“I was riding my bicycle on the road in Ext 15 that day when three young people approached me. I stopped to listen to what they were saying to me. When they approached, one took out a knife and asked what my problem was. As they stepped closer, I realised they were trying to overpower me. I then used my bicycle as my shield.

“I didn’t realise my grandson was not far from where we were. He came to my rescue,” explained Dlamini.

“He had just arrived and was still asking the young people what was happening when the one with the knife suddenly stabbed him. All of them then attacked Mduduzi until nearby community members intervened.

“My grandson was rushed to the Evander Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. To this day, I blame myself. If not for me, my grandchild would still be alive,” said Dlamini.

Dlamini said he opened a case and gave the SAPS a statement. The family has heard nothing since. Dlamini said the family is hurting because they see the trio walking free on the streets.

“It is worse because I am a key witness in this case, but since the murder in November 2022, I have neither been informed about the progress of the case nor summoned to court. The investigating officer gives me the runaround. He is never available,” said Dlamini.

Moses Myeni, Mokwape’s biological father, told the Ridge Times the family had lost hope in the eMbalenhle SAPS because it had failed them.

According to Myeni, they often go to the eMbalenhle Police Station to check on the case’s progress, but the investigating officer doesn’t respond.

“It has been two years, and there is still nothing. It seems the case never even made it to court. We just want justice for my son.

“We stopped the community from taking the law into their hands after the incident, but now regret doing that. At least then, there would have been justice for my son,” said Myeni.

eMbalenhle SAPS spokesperson Constable Busi Mthethwa said the family could see the station commander about their complaint.

Mthethwa said community members who are unhappy with the service at the eMbalenhle Police Station can visit the station commander’s office or use the suggestion box at the community service centre.