New twist to Mthwalume murders
The chief suspect was found dead in his cell earlier this week and a second suspect was released due to lack of evidence.
As the nation fights the invisible Covid-19 pandemic, another highly dangerous epidemic is afflicting women around the country – gender-based violence.
ALSO READ : Mthwalume murder suspect found hanged in police cell
The scourge continues to sweep unabated through the country, despite many efforts to bring the problem under control.
Recently Mthwalume has made headlines, for all the wrong reasons.
This is where, tragically, the bodies of six women aged between 16 and 38 years have been discovered, carelessly dumped in the cane fields.
There are fears that the body count will rise, with Nosipho Mnyende (24) missing from Turton since August 3.
While no one has officially used the term, there is talk in the community that a serial killer is at work.
The identity of the murderer (or murderers) of Nosipho (16) and Akhona Gumede (25), Baja Duma (23), Zama Chiliza (38) and Nelisiwe Dube (22) so far remains a mystery.
One of the bodies found remains unidentified.
The grieving families were offered a glimmer of hope when two suspects were arrested last weekend.
This was short-lived.
The chief suspect was found hanged in his cell on Monday this week, the day he was expected to appear in the uMzumbe Magistrate’s Court.
The second suspect was released due to insufficient evidence linking him to the murders, Police Minister Bheki Cele announced to community members who had gathered outside court on Monday.
Many were angry at the news, saying they were disappointed that the case had been dismissed.
Desperate to get answers and justice for the victims, the families of the murdered women said they were now left with more questions than answers, and were worried that more women would go missing.
For the Mnyende family of Kwa-Qoloqolo in Mthwalume, days pass agonisingly slowly as they continue to hope that Nosipho will return safely.
Sandile Mnyende said Nosipho was last seen en route to work in Turton area.
“She worked as a live-in helper and we were worried when she did not return home on Friday as she usually did.”
The discovery of the bodies drew nationwide responses from various government stakeholders, political parties and civil society groups.
Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, KZN Community Safety and Liaison MEC Bheki Ntuli, Ugu Mayor Sizwe Ngcobo, IFP Member of the KZN Provincial Legislature Mntomuhle Khawula, local mayors and Amakhosi were among the delegation which visited Mthwalume to meet with the community.
Marches and prayers have also been held to mourn the women and urge law enforcement authorities to act swiftly and with purpose to bring those responsible to justice.
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) added its voice to the outrage at the killings.
In a statement, the commission said this was especially distressing as it was Women’s Month. “We cannot have a situation where women have to live in constant fear of being attacked,” said CGE chairman,Tamara Mathebula,
Minister Cele said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate was investigating the death in custody of the chief suspect.
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