Community members in eMbalenhle, together with the families of four young murdered girls, today laid flowers and wreaths at the scene where the girls’ bodies were found in Ext 17.

Shongwe, described as a serial rapist and killer, operated in the area between 2016 and 2018.

He was convicted and sentenced to nine life imprisonment terms on December 18 for the rape and murder of Nokulunga Nkutha (11) on August 12, 2016, her cousin Lerato Nkutha (11) on May 7, 2018, Cynthia Masilela (16) on June 28, 2017, and Mihle Zingamo (14) on November 7, 2018.

Their bodies were found dumped in the street in Extension 17 near Shongwe’s house in eMbalenhle.

The community was overjoyed when Shongwe was sentenced on the Secunda Regional Court.

The wreaths were placed at the dump sites today to show that the girls have not been forgotten.