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By Sugan Naidoo

Journalist


KZN teen kidnapped, forced to watch as mother is burned alive

The suspects stopped next to a river, poured petrol over both mother and daughter and set them alight.


A Harding teenager in KwaZulu-Natal had to watch helplessly as her mother burnt to death after the pair was kidnapped from their home in Machi Location.

This tragedy, which is the second brutal murder in the last two days, sent shockwaves through the Harding community.

The burnt body of Thembi Memela, 37, a bank manager at Nedbank Harding and mother of three, was discovered near a river in Kokstad on Monday, South Coast Herald reported.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid said Memela was at home with her two daughters when three men entered the house, their faces covered.

“They covered the 14-year-old daughter and her mother with blankets and took them to Memela’s car, which was parked outside. Memela was forced into the boot and the kidnappers drove off towards Kokstad.”

“They then stopped next to a river, poured petrol over both mother and daughter and set them alight,” added Wiid.

The young girl managed to escape and jumped into the river. As soon as the men left, still in Memela’s car, she made her way to the police station and reported the incident.

The vehicle has still not been recovered, and Harding police are investigating.

– Caxton News Service

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