Murder victims’ families demand justice
MASOYI - An emotional day ensued at the Masoyi Periodical Court on Tuesday, as family members of the victims expressed their heartfelt anger at the losses they had suffered.
Police arrested the 25-year-old accused, Julius Thabiso Mndawe, on July 3. He confessed to the killing of Tokkie Tlaka (24), Banele Khoza (15), Noxolo Mdluli (20), Nomthandazo Mdluli (18) and Felicia Shabangu (17).
The five women were allegedly raped and buried in shallow graves to conceal their bodies in his yard. The self-confessed mass murderer, Mndawe, appeared in court on Tuesday, expressing no remorse as he took the stand.
The community gathered outside the courtroom and toyi-toyied in solidarity with the victims’ family members. According to the sister of the 15-year old Banele, they were informed on Friday that the police had found her body in the accused’s garden.
“We last saw her with our sister’s boyfriend, also known as the accused,” Lindiwe Nkuna told Lowvelder.
It was alleged by the victim’s sister that the police knew who the killer was, but did nothing, even after Banele was reported missing in January 2017.
Family members of 18-year-old grade 10 student, Nomthandazo Mdluli, also expressed their agonising account of the events that unfolded. Nomthandazo allegedly went to collect her phone from the accused, where she was supposedly raped.
The family also allegedly received no answers from the police. They were informed on Saturday that the victim’s body had been found in the house of Mndawe, under the floor.
The mother of the 20-year old Noxolo Mdluli, who was reported missing during February 2017, also recounted that the police advised her that although the accused was known to them, they could do nothing as they had no concrete evidence of the alleged murder.
It was further stated by the mother that her daughter’s phone remained operational until August 2017.
The family members all allege that they gave the necessary information to the Masoyi police when they reported the girls missing, but that nothing was immediately done to assist them. According to provincial police spokesperson, Col Mtsholi Bhembe, “If the family members for the victims did approach the Masoyi police station and received no assistance, it is a cause for concern and I will look into it.”
There is a clear consensus among the family members, that justice would be best served if Mndawe received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
He was remanded in custody. His formal bail application has been scheduled for today.
Family members of 18-year-Nomthandazo Mdluli expressed their agonising account of the events that unfolded