Communities are mourning the shocking and tragic death of Sthokozile Dlamini (32) who was believed to have been kidnapped and murdered.

The Amandawe woman disappeared on July 12, and was reported missing to Scottburgh Saps.

As per information given to Missing Person South Africa, a popular social media page used to help families potentially locate loved ones, the family stated that Sthokozile left her home in Amandawe, eSgodini (kaShinga), saying she was going to Biniva, Malangeni (kaGobhozi), where she had been looking after an elderly woman.

It was then reported that she never arrived for work.

The family became concerned after calling her phone which was initially answered by a man who claimed he did not know her. When they tried calling again, the phone was switched off.

Thereafter, her WhatsApp was deactivated and her Facebook profile locked.

Relatives at kaGobhozi were contacted and confirmed that Sthokozile never arrived there, despite everyone believing she had travelled there on July 12.

After the missing person appeal was circulated widely, members of the public came forward with information that led investigators to a man.

It is alleged that the man confessed to raping and murdering Sthokozile before leading authorities to her body, which was found on July 20.

Ugu District police have since confirmed the accused was arrested on July 20 in Umkomaas, and that he led police to the bushes near the R102, where he had dumped her body.

He appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court last week, but the matter was postponed to July 30.

The African National Congress (ANC) Umdoni Sub-Region, led by Mbali Cele-Luthuli (Umdoni mayor), visited the bereaved Dlamini family in Ward 14 recently to offer support and condolences.

She emphasised that GBV is a pandemic that continues to devastate families and communities across South Africa, calling on all citizens, government institutions, civil society, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, and community members to work together to eradicate this scourge.

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