A 16-year-old girl who had apparently run away and visited a lady friend, paid dearly for her actions. She was severely beaten, allegedly by her uncle, and died shortly after reaching her home. It is further alleged that the uncle then tried to pin the blame for her death on Zimbabwean nationals living in the area.
Mufunwa Mphephu reportedly left her home in Ngovhela village on Saturday, 8 February, without informing family members of her whereabouts. As days passed, her family grew increasingly worried. On Tuesday, her uncle and a friend set out to search for her in the village.
She was eventually found in another part of the village with a friend. After being caught, her uncle and his friend, allegedly as a form of punishment, took turns beating her while marching her through the streets.
At one point, the badly beaten girl complained that she could no longer walk and had to be carried home. Once home, she was given food but later collapsed and died. It is alleged that the suspects then carried her body into the house.
After her death, the uncle is said to have told family members that she had been beaten by Zimbabwean nationals. However, the police grew suspicious and questioned relatives. After taking statements, they arrested the uncle.
Her death has angered community members as it has been shrouded in secrecy and speculation, with various theories emerging.
The girl's mother, Anza Mphephu, said she was struggling to accept her daughter's death.
"I am hurt and in a state of denial. I cannot believe that my daughter is gone because of ignorant people. I received the sad news at about 19:00 and rushed to Ngovhela from my home in Mutoti. The first thing I did was try to wake her up, hoping she would come back to life. I am devastated, especially because the [alleged] killers are people close to me," she said.
She also dismissed claims that she had given the suspects permission to discipline her daughter.
"How could I let people kill my daughter? I know she was not perfect, and I tried several times to guide her. What happened is extreme and beyond reason. I am just relieved that the suspect is now in custody. Hopefully, in court, he will explain why he used an iron pipe to 'discipline' her," Mphephu said.
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that a 33-year-old suspect had been arrested and charged with assault and murder. He also confirmed that the suspect was the girl's uncle.
"Upon finding the girl, the suspect had a confrontation with her, and the situation escalated. He then assaulted her with an object. The victim tried to escape but fell, and her uncle carried her back home. The victim's mother summoned emergency medical services, who, upon arrival, declared her dead," he said.