Call for murder accused to remain behind bars
THE families of murder victims, Saneliswa Mkhwanazi (35) and Amanda Mbuyazi (37) who were gunned down three weeks ago on their way home from a pparty, received immense community support on Tuesday.
This as the man accused of murdering the young mothers made his first court appearance.
Inkatha Freedom
Party members led a peaceful demonstration outside KwaMbonambi Magistrate’s Court while the 39-year-old suspect briefly appeared before the magistrate.
The matter was transferred to Empangeni Magistrate’s Court and he will be remanded in custody until his bail application on 16 October.
Local non-profit organisations and government departments also joined in the peaceful demonstration, calling for no bail for perpetrators of violence and abuse on women and for justice to be served for Saneliswa and Amanda, whose lives were cut short by the act of brutality.
According to a police statement, the deceased were found at Eshobeni Reserve in KwaMbonambi, and are believed to have been on their way home when they were shot and killed and left near the roadside.
The suspect, who was travelling with the women prior to their death, claimed they were involved in a hijacking incident and had been attacked.
Meanwhile, grieving sister Nonhlanhla Biyela said their family is still battling to come to terms with the death of their beloved sister Saneliswa, who leaves behind three children.
‘We want answers: why did they have to be killed in such a manner and for what reason?
‘Her children have been living with me as she worked away but it is so hard for them to accept they will never see her again.’
uMfolozi IFP Constituency Chairperson Muzi Mthiyane said they have been supporting the bereaved families.
‘We are sending a strong message, that as the community we will not tolerate and accept abuse and violence against women and children and these injustices in society,’ said Mthiyane.
Non-profit organisation Nhlansiyethemba Community Development, led by Bheki Zikhali, added that more awareness needs to be created at schools and in all 17 wards of the uMfolozi area.
‘It is heartbreaking to see women losing their lives in such tragic ways and for them to be killed, in some instances, by those men who once promised to love and protect them.
‘We do not want to see women in our community refraining from having relationships because they fear for their lives and their safety,’ said Zikhali.
We want answers: why did they have to be killed in such a manner and for what reason?