Empangeni community calls for justice for murdered teenager
Nonthubeko Mhlali (18) was allegedly murdered by four of her neighbours after an altercation over a stolen cell phone
RESIDENTS from eMacekane this morning (Monday) staged a protest outside Empangeni Magistrate’s Court, calling for the four men accused of murdering a local teenager to remain behind bars.
Nonthubeko Mhlali (18) was allegedly murdered by four of her neighbours after an altercation over a stolen cell phone.
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The Tholokuhle High School pupil was reportedly assaulted and kidnapped from her home by the four suspects. She was found dead in a bush close to her home a day later.
One of the suspects was found at the scene.
The cause of death is believed to have been a blow from a four-pound hammer.
Thulani Mthembu (35), Sifiso Mthembu (32), Skumbuzo Shandu (31), and Philani Mthembu (22) were arrested for the murder and appeared in court last Monday.
They were remanded in custody until their bail hearing today.
Nonthubeko’s mother, Zethu told the ZO that she and other community members did not want to see the men given bail.
‘We want justice. One of the suspects is my neighbour, how can I walk outside my house every day and look at his face, knowing he is a suspect in the murder of my daughter?’
Read the full story in this week’s ZO Weekender.
