The family members of a 17-year-old girl who was brutally raped and killed at Mavambe outside Malamulele last week say the only consolation for them would be if the killers are brought to book and sent to jail for the rest of their lives.
Nsovo Manganyi, a Grade 10 learner at Shirilele High School in Mavambe, left her home on Sunday, 24 September, to hang out with some of her friends. Her grief-stricken uncle, Mr Risimati Thomas Mthombeni, said the family became worried when she did not return at all that day. Their worst fears turned into reality when they were informed the next day (25th) that her body had been discovered in the nearby bushes.
"When she did not come back, we thought she was probably still with friends and would eventually return, but that was not to be. Nsovo was a good girl. Our hearts are torn into pieces. Our prayer is that her killer or killers be found and pay for their brutal deeds. They must be locked up for life; they do not deserve to live with other people," he said.
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the incident and said they had since opened a murder docket. "The body of the victim was discovered in the bushes behind Mvudi Park at Mavambe village on Monday morning, 25 September, at about 02:00. According to the preliminary report, the police were alerted by the community. Upon arrival, they found the deceased half-naked, with bruises all over her body. Seemingly, the victim was dragged from the nearby park into the bushes, where she was raped and then killed by her attackers. It is believed that the victim was strangled," said Ledwaba.
The incident was strongly condemned by Limpopo Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Thembi Hadebe. She ordered the district commissioner to ensure that all the necessary and available resources be mobilised to hunt the suspects down. She appealed to anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects involved to contact Capt Ben Baloyi on 082 729 0229. Alternatively, contact the Crime Stop hotline number on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station. Information will be treated with strict confidentiality.