EVATON – The family of two 25-year-old women, Nontokozo Mazibuko and Andiswa Sontangane, has been left reeling following the pair’s tragic murder.

Nontokozo and Andiswa were last seen at a local soccer ground in Evaton on December 30. Their families reported them missing the following day. Their partly decomposed bodies were discovered at a plot in Poortjie on January 8.

During an interview with Ster North, Gretha Mazibuko, who is the mother to Nontokozo and sister to Andiswa, says she is deeply hurt by the events that unfolded leading up to the discovery of the bodies of the two girls.

“I have lost my kids, and I will never get them back. If only I had the money that the kidnappers were asking me for, it’s just unfortunate that I didn’t have it.”

Mazibko described the two girls as extremely humble and respectful, adding that they were both introverts who loved spending time at home. She said that they shared the same spirit and were inseparable.

“These kids were always indoors. They don’t loiter around, and they don’t bother anyone. Whenever they were going out to do their shopping, they would constantly call and update me on their whereabouts. These were extremely well-behaved kids.”

The two women were also active members of a local cultural group of young maidens in Palm Springs. Their family says they had high hopes for their futures, which have now been cruelly cut short. Nontokozo held an education degree from North-West University, while Andiswa was an IT graduate.

“We are heartbroken by what has happened. All we want is for justice to be served and for the perpetrators to be brought to book.”

The ANC Women’s League in Sedibeng Region conveyed its deepest sympathies to the families of women who have lost their lives recently.

Speaking to Ster North, Cde Disebo Tlebere said the organisation is shattered and outraged by the recent brutal killings of young women in the region.

“We are saddened by the deaths of Nontokozo Mazibuko, Andiswa Sontangane, and Karabo Moloko, whose lives were violently taken after being reported missing. As women, we are exhausted, angry, and afraid.

“We condemn these killings in the strongest terms. We demand swift investigations and justice without delay. Any failure by law enforcement to act decisively only deepens the pain and fear of women.”

Tlebere said they stand with families in mourning and in demand for justice. The family held a funeral for Nontokozo over the weekend, while Andiswa is expected to be buried this week.”

Meanwhile, five people have been arrested following the tragic incident.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says the case changed to include hijacking and kidnapping after one of the victim’s mothers received a ransom demand. Nevhuhulwi reveals that through intelligence-driven information, investigators traced and arrested five suspects, along with recovering an unlicensed firearm only a few days after the bodies were discovered.

“Four of the suspects were arrested in Evaton, while the fifth was arrested in Germiston. A preliminary investigation led the team to Brits, where the victims’ vehicle was discovered abandoned at a car wash. The vehicle was fitted with false number plates but had the correct licence disc. The firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine whether it was used in the commission of the crime.”

Gauteng’s Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, welcomed the swift arrests. All five suspects have appeared at Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court and have been remanded in custody. Their next appearance is on January 22.