By Anita Dangazele
A Port Alfred mom kept quiet about her daughter’s rape and murder in 2017 until another victim spoke up last Tuesday.
A 24-year-old relative of the murdered girl went to the police. She couldn’t keep the secret anymore.
The relative was 17 years old when it happened in 2017. She said three men attacked her, her 13-year-old cousin, and another girl.
“They raped all of us. Then they told us to stab my 13-year-old cousin. We said no. So they stabbed her in the heart many times. They said skinny people take longer to die. We watched them kill her and throw her in a manhole,” she said.
She escaped and told the 13-year-old’s mom what had happened, including where the body was.
“She didn’t believe me. She said her daughter left on a truck to find work. I told my aunt Flora, but nothing happened,” she said.
Thembinkosi Hlangana from Port Alfred Crime Fighters said they told the 24-year-old to go to the police.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed that the 24-year-old reported the rape at Nemato Police station.
“She also said the attackers stabbed her 13-year-old cousin and dumped her in a municipal drain,” Nkohli said.
Police then searched for the remains.
“We found a crime scene near Kowie river. We found some bones and called in experts,” he said.
The bones are human, but they need more tests.
“We’ve asked forensic experts from the Western Cape to help,” he said. No arrests yet, but they’re working on it.
On Sunday, KwaJuda residents in Port Alfred held a peaceful march against Gender-based Violence and Femicide.
They handed over a list of demands to Nemato Police Station, asking for a quick investigation.
Pictured above: Residents of KwaJuda in Endlovini Township, Port Alfred marching against Gender-based violence and Femicide.
Source: Supplied
