Ekuphoni supports the murder victim’s family
Although the family were unpleased with the short sentence handed to the Mazwi Joseph Mdalose who strangled their daughter to death, their focus is on healing.
The Mdluli family from Ext 2, Moleleki Section, have finally received much-needed trauma support from Ekuphoni Mental Health and Trauma Centre.
This follows the murder of their daughter Hlengiwe Mdluli.
Mdluli was murdered by her convicted ex-boyfriend Mazwi Joseph Mdalose after he strangled her to death during an argument on their return home from a tavern on September 25, 2021.
Mdluli’s mother Agness Mdluli (74) and grandmother Christina Mdluli (76) started attending trauma counselling in April after their first appointment turned into an unrealised effort of time and money.
It took over a year for the family to get the necessary trauma counselling. When Kathorus MAIL visited the family for an interview in March, the wounded family could not hide the pain inflicted on them.
According to Mdluli’s sister Phumzile, her mother is showing significant improvement since she started attending the sessions.
“My mother was deeply hurt. She was turning into a person we did not know. Her stress levels were high,” said Phumzile.
“She turned into an impatient person who always reprimanded the children. Before the passing of my sister, my mother was a person who enjoyed doing home chores.
“But after the incident, she hardly finished anything. She would start something and then become very quiet. You would assume she is always thinking about something.”
She believes that the sessions have helped her mother immensely because she has brightened up.
“Her energy levels have picked up, she does home chores every day, and she is more engaging and happy,” she said.
Agness expressed her gratitude to Ekuphoni, saying they offered at least five sessions at their home.
“We were very worried about travelling to the police station to attend this session, we did not have transport fare and our bodies are no longer flexible for us to walk for a long distance. I appreciate that they brought their services to us,” said Agness.
The family intended to attend the session together with the children, Mdluli Philisiwe (13), Sanele (11) and Nkazimulo Mdluli (3), but they had to attend school.
Agness said they needed counselling especially Christina who was called to the scene to identify Mdluli’s body.
“Like me, Christina is much better after attending the sessions, I think she was the most affected.”
After killing Mdluli, Mdalose ran into hiding at Eastern Cape, leaving Mdluli’s lifeless body locked inside his shack.
Investigating officer Warrant Officer Muzi Mkhize from Katlehong North SAPS received the information from Engcobo SAPS after Mdalose’s mother spilled the beans about the crime her son has committed.
Mdalose was convicted and sentenced to 10 years on December 7, 2020, after he pleaded guilty at the Palm Ridge Magistrate Court.
Ekuphoni said they will continue supporting the family.
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