NIECE LED A SECRET LIFE, SAYS UNCLE
AN UNCLE of one of the two teenagers killed in an alleged Satanic ritual in Soweto says the deceased led a secretive life.
Phumzile Booi told journalists at the Protea Magistrate ’ s Court yesterday that his niece, Chwayita Rhathazwayo, was hiding something from her family.
“She had marks that we did not understand on her arms. After her death we suspected that they could have been Satanic signs,” he said.
Booi added that Chwayita was an energetic young girl who loved swimming and had represented Gauteng in swimming competitions.
“She never explained to us what those marks on her arms meant,” said Booi.
The bodies of Rhathazwayo and her friend Thandeka Mokganetsi, both aged 16, were found in an open field in Dobsonville, Soweto, last Wednesday.
Police said they found razor blades, candles and school bags where their bodies were. The bodies had deep, multiple wounds on their arms, necks and backs. The two had disappeared from their homes a day before.
Two boys aged 16 appeared in the Protea Magistrate ’ s Court in connection with the girls ’ deaths. They are expected in court again tomorrow.
Chwayita and Mokganetsi were very close. It is alleged that she had wanted her parents to adopt Thandeka, an orphan.
William Zulu of the SA Civic Organisation in the area said they were in court to offer support to the families of both the deceased and accused.
“We are not condoning what the two boys are alleged to have done. We are shocked by the incident and appeal to parents to be open with their children.
“Parents must communicate with their children and be able to spot if there is something wrong,” said Zulu.
Chwayita and Thandeka will be buried after a joint funeral service in Dobsonville today.
The two were pupils at George Khoza Secondary School in Dobsonville.