As South Africa marks Women’s Month, a family has been left shattered, and a community continues to mourn the loss of Amandawe resident Sthokozile Dlamini (32), whose kidnapping and murder have renewed calls for justice for victims of gender-based violence.

When Dlamini failed to return home after leaving for work on July 12, a case of kidnapping was opened at Scottburgh Saps.

Concerns grew after the family called her, and her cellphone was answered by a man, who claimed he did not know her.

When they tried calling again, the phone was switched off.

A missing-person appeal was widely circulated, prompting members of the public to come forward with information that led investigators to a suspect.

Scottburgh detectives then arrested Michael Shozi (52) in Umkomaas.

On July 20, he led police to bushes near the R102 where he had dumped Dlamini’s body after murdering her.

Shozi has since made two appearances in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder and kidnapping.

He remains in police custody after investigating officer Detective Constable Werner Botha of the Scottburgh Detective Service advocated that bail be denied.

He will reappear on August 28.

At Shozi’s last appearance on July 30, a large group of ANC Umdoni members gathered outside the court in support of the victim.

The group said it would not rest until justice is served for Dlamini and all victims of this scourge.

Addressing those gathered, ANC Umdoni Sub-Region coordinator, Mbali Cele-Luthuli, said the organisation would continue to stand alongside the Dlamini family throughout their pursuit of justice.

“Today, we have come in our numbers because we refuse to be silent while women and children continue to fall victim to senseless violence. Our presence here is a declaration that enough is enough. We stand with the Dlamini family, and we will continue to demand that justice is served for Sthokozile,” said Cele-Luthuli.

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