Ribbons mark 2 years since Uyinene Mrwetyana’s murder
IN COMMEMORATING the second year since the killing of UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana, friends, family and fellow students tied ribbons, flowers and signs on the railings outside the Clareinch post office in her memory yesterday.
It’s been two years since her murder, but the “bubbly and brave” Mrwetyana has remained in the hearts of millions of South Africans.
Then 19-year-old Mrwetyana had gone to fetch a parcel at the post office on August 24, 2019, but was told by post office attendant Luyanda Botha that her parcel was not ready for collection and she should come back later in the afternoon. When she returned, Botha locked her up in the office before killing her.
He was found guilty on four counts, including rape, murder and obstructing the administration of justice, and sentenced to three life terms and five years for obstruction of justice.
Similar scenes have once again been seen in East London, where Mrwetyana hails from, following yet another murder – this time that of University of Fort Hare law student Nosicelo Mtebeni, allegedly by her boyfriend, Alutha Pasile, last week.
UCT vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng said Mtebeni’s death struck too close to home. “Just two years ago this week, we were reeling from the rape and murder of UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana. Today I am devastated that I feel the same heartache I felt in 2019.
“You and I may never have met Nosicelo in person. But we all know other young women like her. They attend UCT and other universities,” she said.
Philisa Abafazi Bethu founder, Lucinda Evans, said women in South Africa were on their own.
“Nothing has changed, Mr President, you have told us so many untruths, your word is not your honour. Parolees are out of the system, out to rape and kill our children. Victims’ support across this country is not adequately staffed. It’s a bitter day for the month of August, and it will remain a bitter day because the legacy of 1956 is dead. We are not safe, we live in fear and we cannot walk anywhere,” Evans said.