Family in eMzinoni demands justice for slain son
Sibongiseni Dumane (23), was shot in a tavern in March and later died from his injuries at Ermelo Hospital.
The Ndlela family from eMzinoni is pleading for justice after their son, Sibongiseni Dumane (23), was shot in a tavern in March and later died from his injuries at Ermelo Hospital.
According to his grieving mother, Ntombimpela Ndlela, the family has been left in the dark since opening a murder case at the eMzinoni Police Station.
She claims that they have received no updates from the investigating officer assigned to the case.
“Though we buried my son, I am still in pain because we have never received an update on whether the suspect was arrested or appeared in court.
“I constantly visit the police station to ask for updates from the detective handling the case, but I have never been given any answers,” said Ndlela.
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Ndlela suspects foul play, suggesting the investigation could be compromised. She believes the murder case may have been “sold” and is concerned that the proximity of the detective to the suspect may be influencing the investigation.
“What makes me suspicious is that the same investigating officer lives in the same neighbourhood as the suspect,” she added.
Sibongiseni was reportedly shot several times at a local tavern where he often played dice. His family alleges the identity of the shooter is known within the community, yet there is no visible progress in the case.
The Ndlela family is now calling for the case to be transferred to a different investigating officer, insisting they have lost faith in the current detective’s ability to handle the matter impartially.
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“All we want is justice for my son. If the suspect was arrested and released, we want to know under what circumstances, especially since this is a cold-blooded murder case,” said Ndlela.
The family is asking police and the justice system to step in and ensure a thorough and fair investigation. However, eMzinoni police spokesperson Sergeant Cynthia Mtshweni refuted claims that the suspect was never arrested or that the officer and suspect are neighbours.
“A murder case was opened after the shooting in a tavern in eMzinoni Ext 6. Because there was also a stabbing case involving the deceased, the court decided to refer both matters to the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision.
“The suspect in the shooting was arrested and later released by the court. We are awaiting a decision from public prosecution,” said Mtshweni.
The Ridge Times obtained a copy of CCTV footage of the shooting in the tavern. This footage has also been handed to the police as evidence.
