Family members seek justice for murdered daughter

By Simphiwe Malunga

Constance Nkentshane together with her husband Joseph Momdloma shows her granddaughter’s obituary at Mmametlhake ward 33 on Monday.

The death of the 11-year old Bawinile Khoza left community members at Mmametlhake ward 33 in Mpumalanga furious as they picketed on Monday for the three suspects not to be granted bail. Mbibane magistrate court filled to its capacity with local community members and the victim’s family demanding justice.

 

Community residents’ protests while chanting at Mmametlhake ward 33 on Monday.

Three suspects who had to appear before the magistrate’s court this past Monday refused to do so as they feared for their lives. This follows the murder of 11-year old Bawinile Khoza who was brutally raped, tortured and left for dead at a nearby dumping site in December. The victim attended school at Dipere Primary school and had passed for her next grade.

 

The victim’s grandmother, Constance Nkentshane recalls the incident that happened to her grandchild who was in grade 3 at the time as heartbreaking.

 

“She was among my beloved six grandchildren, but her life was cut short. I remember on the day of her disappearance I had thought that she was with her mother but later on the day police came to report that they had found her body. Police told us that her body had been brutally murdered and thighs burnt,” said Nkentshane.

 

She went on to explain that she still had not found peace for her loss and demanded that the suspects not to be granted bail.

 

Community leader, Happy Kalunda said that she wanted the law to take its course in the judgement of this case.

“As the community we condemn these gender based murders against our women and children. The case cannot just vanish like that; we are going to follow it up until to the end. In bringing down these perpetrators we are prepared to work with the police. If these suspects are going to be given bail and live with us in the community it is not going to be nice for anyone,” said Kalunda.

Mmametlhake Police Spokesperson, sergeant Tlaki Matemane said that one of the three suspects was connected through the DNA test and the suspects were to appear before court.

 

“The evidence revealed that one suspect aged 39’s DNA matched the one on the victim. As the law enforcement we ensure the community to take necessary measures towards these perpetrators,” explained Matemane.

 

The spokesperson said these offenders would appear in court on Monday 11 June 2018, since the initial case was postponed.

Contact details of sources: Mmametlhake Police Spokesperson, 072 040 5532

Community leader, 060 502 7663

 

Contact details of reporter: 062 037 7161 and mandlamalunga1@gmail.com