The IFP condemns the brutal and barbaric killing of Neli Mkhwanazi of Dukududu, and Zanele Mbuyazi of Khondweni, whose bodies were found by the community, lying on the side of the road in the KwaMbonambi eShobeni area of the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
The IFP applauds the SAPS for their swift action in the arrest of a man accused of killing these two women, whose bodies were found with gunshots to their heads. The suspect – who was seen driving a vehicle with the two passengers – was arrested in a local clinic, where he was found with a stab wound on his left arm.
This incident is one of many acts of gender-based violence (GBV) perpetuated against women in recent months. South Africa has become a world-renowned epicentre for the GBV pandemic. Although the motive for the victims’ murder hasn’t been established as yet, the IFP is of a view that this scourge – of the killing of women in rural areas – is on the rise.
We recommend that local traditional leadership and police should work together and conduct awareness campaigns, as it is unsuspecting women who fall prey to these predators.
We call on the police to leave no stone unturned on this case, as this might have been a botched human trafficking attempt. The IFP is mindful of the organised human trafficking crime syndicates roaming the province, and the country as a whole. The latest uMthwalume serial killer incident should serve as a wake-up call for our communities.
We call on women to refrain from hitchhiking, not to travel alone and to remain vigilant about human traffickers and their operations, rapists and men that abuse women.
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Contact:
Mr Blessed Gwala, MPL
IFP Spokesperson for Community Safety & Liaison
078 290 5842
