Mofokeng community demands a brief report on Mazibuko’s case
“Detective Twala must be in the meeting with the docket in his position.”
The community of Mofokeng Section Katlehong requested Detective Sergeant Twala from Katlehong North SAPS to provide a full report on Masilo Mazibuko’s case during a meeting at Moerani Street, Mofokeng Section, Katlehong, on February 28.
Twala was heading the investigation into Mazibuko’s alleged rape and murder case before he was acquitted of the charges.
This was after the police found that Mazibuko’s DNA did not match the evidence found on the body of the victim, an eight-year-old girl who was raped and brutally killed on October 13, 2020.
Concerned members of the community Thabo Monare, Esau Ramotsehoa, Jabulani Phiri and Ephrene Sithole visited the police station on February 20 to meet with the sector manager Sergeant Golith to follow up on the case and discuss the outcome.
They also requested a community meeting, through the CPF, where the four will engage with the community members and the police and CPF will present the case report.
When Kathorus MAIL arrived at 16:50 at the meeting, few people had gathered. It seemed as if the meeting was going to fail because the four people who called for the meeting, as well as the police and CPF, were not present.
Golith said the police would not be part of the meeting. He said his understanding is that the four will speak to the community and the police will join them in a follow-up meeting.
The majority of the residents expressed that they did not know the people who had called the meeting, citing that the invitation notes did not elaborate details of the meeting.
They questioned the legitimacy of the meeting, pointing out that the note did not have the CPF chairperson Otto Sibeko’s signature like it usually does and there were no contact details for inquiries.
The meeting which was set for 17:00 commenced 50 minutes late, on February 28. Present during the meeting were the community members and the four men who were later joined by Sibeko.
Phiri said they called the meeting because they are concerned about the 8-year-old girl who was raped and killed. After all, no one was arrested and Mazibuko’s home was set alight after he was falsely accused.
The community said they could not discuss anything without a report from the police and for them to respond to their questions and concerns.
One of the community members seconded by several others requested another meeting where Sibeko could invite the investigating officer (IO) to present the case report.
They also requested the election of a delegate that will accompany Sibeko to engage with the IO, Sergeant Twala.
Another resident called on the community to be considerate because they are also parents. He said, firstly, what happened to the 8-year-old victim was tragic and it can happen to any child. Secondly what happened to Mazibuko was wrong, given that he was acquitted of the charges.
He said the community has lost the spirit of ‘ubuntu’. He explained is painful because Mazibuko lives in the bush while he had a home and his children’s education had been compromised.
Responding to concerns raised during the meeting, Sibeko said he was not invited to the meeting as it was for the street committee and he only attended to hear what was being discussed.
However, he chaired the meeting and agreed with residents that Sergeant Twala should be invited to report and respond to the community.
“Detective Twala must be in the meeting with the docket in his position. Firstly, he has to brief the community about the case and explain its status. Secondly, he has to explain the DNA tests that confirmed that Mazibuko did not commit the crime.
“Who committed the crime? That person who raped and killed that innocent child could be amongst us in this meeting and should be explained by the detective to the community.”
Before the meeting concluded a delegation of five people, namely Dumisani Mthembu, Ouma Mavimbela, Xolisile Mtshali, Nomvula Ngwenya and Tshepo Mtheletsane were elected to accompany Sibeko when he goes to invite the IO on March 3.
Sibeko pleaded with communities to avoid attacking Mazibuko, should he be spotted in the streets of Katlehong.
The Katlehong North SAPS media liaison officer, Sergeant Sibusiso Mazibuko said Twala cannot address the community about an ongoing case. He can only account to the complainant on the case.
He said the role of communicating with the community lies with the communication and the sector managers.
The delegation will decide the official date for the meeting. More details will be shared once made available.
