Body count rises as fifth woman is found dead at Mthwalume

The number of women killed and their bodies dumped in the cane fields at Mthwalume has risen to five, sparking fears that a serial killer is operating in the area.

This follows the discovery of yet another body in the area yesterday (Wednesday).

The murders appear to be escalating, with the body of the fourth victim, Zama Chiliza, being retrieved from bushes in the Mathisini area on Tuesday this week.

According to relatives, the 38-year-old had been on her way home from the clinic when she disappeared.

“She was found with her bag containing her clinic cards,” a relative said.

The bodies of sisters Nosipho (16) and Akhona Gumede (25) were found near Mthwalume on April 25.

The sisters had left their home in Mgwaba area without informing anyone.

They were reported missing on March 28 when all attempts to contact them had failed.

The body of Baja Duma (23) who had been reported missing on June 28, was found nearby on July 6.

The IFP has called for urgent police intervention at national level, saying it was unfortunate that as a community, they had exhausted all means of trying to work with Hibberdene police as this had resulted in those protesting against the murder of the women being arrested.

IFP spokesman, Sfundo Ngwane said the community had lost hope as no arrests had been made thus far.

“The IFP condemns the killing and abuse of our women in the strongest terms. We cannot allow our women to live in fear.”

He added that local men had even volunteered to patrol the area at night, as long as they got the nod from police.

“We bow our heads in shame that our women are killed in a month where they are supposed to celebrate their womanhood,” said Mr Ngwane.

Police spokesman Colonel Thembeka Mbhele said an inquest docket had been opened at Hibberdene police station for investigation.

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