Katlehong family ready for report on daughter’s murder case

The Katlehong delegates who were elected to follow up on a murder case of an eight-year-old girl, who was raped and brutally killed at Motloung Section in October 2020, said progress has been made after the victim’s family returned to Kathorus.

This follows a meeting on February 28, where community members requested the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Twala to brief the community about the case.

Five delegates – Ouma Mavimbela, Dumisani Mthembu, Xolisile Mtshali, Nomvula Ngwenya and Tshepo Mtheletsane – were elected to represent the community at the meeting between the CPF chairperson of Katlehong North, Otto Sibeko, and Twala.

They met on March 3 at the CPF offices at Katlehong North Police Station. Station commander Colonel Nomthandazo Gumbi and Twala were not available.

Sibeko said he briefed the station commanders and other colonels from all stations about the community’s request, during the Station Combating Crime Forum meeting which is held on Mondays and Wednesdays weekly.

“They said that nobody is allowed to hand out the report to anybody about the progress of the case at any given time except the victim. The investigating officer (IO) can only brief the victim and if the IO is not giving the victim’s reports they can come to me and we will take it up with the branch commander of detectives,” said Sibeko.

He said in this case the victim is the mother because her child passed away and she reported the case.

“We spoke with the delegates and they indicated that they know the victim, they promised to arrange with her to come to the police station so that Twala can brief us about the case.

“To date, I am still waiting to hear from the delegates. I am waiting for them to find the mother of the eight-year-old victim. Once they bring her to the station I will take her to Twala.”

When asked who will then be able to brief the community after the victim’s family gets the report, Sibeko said the delegates representing the community should report back to the community.

A resident, Jabulani Phiri, confirmed the details shared by Sibeko. He noted that the delegates gave them feedback following their meeting with Sibeko.

Phiri is part of the group of concerned residents including Ephrene Sithole, Esau Ramotsehoa and Thabo Monare who initiated the conversation and called for a meeting on February 28.

Kathorus Mail spoke to three delegates – Mavimbela, Mthembu and Mtshali – who confirmed to have met with Sibeko.

According to Mtshali, she has been communicating with the mother since March 5. She said the family went home to Zimbabwe to attend a ceremony and they promised to return within a week but kept procrastinating.

The community want the perpetrator to face the full might of the law. One suspect in the case, Masilo Mazibuko, in the meantime was acquitted of the charges. Yet the damage was done as Mazibuko’s home was burned down by angry community members.

Mazibuko and his son had to flee for their lives, finding shelter at the police station before also being chased away.

They then had to flee the township to live with relatives in Ga-Rankuwa. They later returned to Ekurhuleni where they lived under the bridge and at the bush in Alberton.

Mazibuko’s stepson remained in hiding around the township separated from his family.

The family wants to rebuild their home following the false accusation, however, they remain concerned about their safety as they wait for the community to conclude with its consultations.

On April 4, Mtshali confirmed that the family has returned to Kathorus and they will brief the community and media once they have agreed on the date for the meeting.

Kathorus MAIL requested an interview with the family but they refused.

This is a developing story. More details will be shared after the meeting.