Murder suspect ran from rape charge

A MAN who has confessed to raping and killing a 12year-old had skipped bail and was on the run from another rape charge.

Siyabonga Magangana, 37, of Mpheko village, was arrested this week. He appeared in court on Thursday. Last Sunday, the body of Afika Monelo, a Grade 6 pupil, was found on the banks of a river near her village three days after she had been reported missing.

She will be buried today at Luthuthu Village.

Deputy Tourism Minister Thoko Xasa, who is Monelo’s aunt, said: “We are thrilled someone has been arrested and are hopeful that he will be convicted.

“If this man was not arrested communities would fear [another] attack. He told the court he has a pending rape case in Cape Town and failed to appear on May 31. He was hiding here.”

Police spokesman LieutenantMzukisi Fatyela said: “He has made a confession.”

The case has been postponed to September 17 for a formal bail application.

The Dispatch reported last week how Monelo’s mother, Nokhwezi, accused the police of incompetence, saying her child could have been found alive had the police started looking sooner.

It was only when Xasa intervened that the police sprung to action.

A few hours after a search involving a police helicopter, dogs and high-ranking police officers was launched, Afika’s body was found.

Monelo said she stood by her earlier comments.

However, she added: “The police and the community worked hard to ensure the arrest.” — lulamilef@dispatch.