No closure for Hluhluwe murder victim’s family

THE family of a slain 49-year-old Hluhluwe woman, who was also a victim of rape, said they are now trusting in God for closure.

This as there has been no progress in police investigations into her death.

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KZN police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala said the investigation into Zevile Zondo’s murder in May is ongoing, ‘pending DNA results’.

DNA evidence will determine whether or not the two suspects arrested in connection with the rape and murder are linked to the case.

Asked if the two suspects were still in police custody, Gwala said, “The matter was not enrolled at court.”

Gwala previously confirmed to the Zululand Observer that the suspects, aged 21 and 39, were arrested following the discovery of Zondo’s body just a few metres from her home.

“Both suspects appeared at the Mtubatuba Magistrate’s Court on 10 May, but the matter was not enrolled, pending the investigation.

“The post-mortem report confirmed the victim was raped before she was killed. The investigating officer is awaiting DNA results to determine whether or not the two males are linked to the cases,” said Gwala said.

Zondo’s family’s spokesperson, Zakhele Bhengu said there have been no updates from the police regarding the investigation.

“We have placed our trust in God because she cannot be raised from the dead,” said Bhengu.

He said he had got wind that the suspects were no longer in the area, but had reportedly moved to Johannesburg – a rumour he said he could not confirm.

Meanwhile, the backlog in DNA tests has come under the spotlight following the rape of women in Krugersdorp in Gauteng.

In a statement earlier this month, Freedom Front Plus (FFP) leader Dr Pieter Groenewald accused Police Minister Bheki Cele of misleading the public with statements that progress was being made in dealing with the DNA test backlog.

According to Groenewald, a police report signed by Cele and submitted to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police in June showed the backlog stood at 150 131, and that a July report revealed it had increased to 180 381.

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