Update: Marburg teen stabbed to death
The grade 12 pupil was stabbed several times.
CONCERNED homeowners and parents residents are calling for stricter safety measures in Friesland Drive, Marburg following the murder of a 17-year-old pupil on Tuesday this week.
Ncedisa Jiba, a grade 12 pupil at Marburg Secondary, was murdered just metres from her aunt’s house. Formerly from Bizana in the Eastern Cape, Ncedisa had stayed in Marburg since she started at RA Engar Primary when she was in grade 3.
According to her aunt, Joyce Nzama, Ncedisa went into Port Shepstone to run few errands before catching a taxi to her home in Bizana for a few days before school opened.
“At about midday, as she was walking down Friesland Drive back to the house, a 22-year-old man approached her and tried to rob her of a bag at knifepoint,” said police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid.
“When she resisted, he stabbed her several times. She died at the scene. Residents who saw what was happening, ran after the man. The police were called and a description given. The attacker was caught in Jesus location, Bhoboyi with Ncedisa’s bag, cellphone and wallet,” said Lt-Col Wiid.
A knife was also recovered. The arresting officers included Sergeant Melvin Newell, Constable Sibusiso Cele and Cst Zonwabele Mpofana. The man will be charged with murder and will appear in Port Shepstone Magistrate’s court today (Thursday).
Last Thursday, the Herald was called to Friesland Drive in an attempt to highlight the crime situation in that road. Several residents were interviewed and stressed that the municipality and police must take action soon.
“We are living in fear every day,” said Rani Pillay. “I have been robbed three times. When I heard what happened to Ncedisa, I couldn’t believe it. I am devastated at the thought of this young girl dying in that way.
“The issue of the bushy area along Friesland Drive has come up a few times over the years. We have pointed this out to the police and our ward councillor, Ajith Rajaram. These thugs mostly wait for women and children on a pathway and pounce on them, robbing them of their belongings. Many have been stabbed here before,” said Mrs Pillay.
Another resident, Florie Joseph said, “We’re talking about saving lives. How many more people have to be robbed or die before we get something done? If safety measures had been in place, Ncedisa would still be alive today.
“Closing this pathway and making sure the bushy area is regularly cleaned won’t bring her back, but it could stop future attacks from happening,” said Mrs Joseph.
Ward councillor, Ajith Rajaram, said this was a huge shock to the community. “I have addressed the issue of crime in this area many times before. I have also called on the owners of the property and asked them to clean it and have it fenced off.”
He also called on the municipality to expropriate the land and build houses for those who are in need.
Ncedisa’s grade 12 teacher, Presesen Naidoo, described her as a pleasant and conscientious pupil. “It’s going to take some time for us to come to terms with her death. Ncedisa was friendly and will be sorely missed by all her classmates and subject teachers,” said Mr Naidoo.
