A pending rape case is believed to be the motive for the murder of Fikile Khumalo, who was killed in eMbalenhle on February 26.
Her boyfriend was arrested for the crime in the couple’s shack in the Azania informal settlement, Ext 22, eMbalenhle.
Residents of the informal settlement picketed outside the Evander Magistrate’s Court when the boyfriend appeared in the dock on March 8.
The state told the court that Khumalo was a crucial witness in a family member’s pending rape case against the accused and that she was supposed to testify on February 27 (a day after her death).
According to Ridge Times, the suspect was described in court as a flight risk and a danger to the community.
“The deceased was found dead in the accused’s shack, but he failed to report it to the police. The community alerted the police,” said Magistrate Cornu Roos, when he denied bail to the boyfriend.-
The case was postponed to April 18.
Constable Busi Mthethwa, the eMbalenhle police spokesperson, said last week that Khumalo’s body had bruises on the thighs and buttocks, and blood flowed from her ears.
The neighbors who found the body and called the police said the curtains in the room where she was found were bloodied.
They suspect Khumalo was killed with a hammer.
Duduzile Khumalo, the older sister of Fikile, said the family welcomed the court’s decision not to grant the suspect bail.
“We are still mourning my sister’s mysterious death. We feared this might happen because Fikile lived with the accused while she was a witness in his rape case against him.
Mxolisi Ntuli, a community leader, said he was the first person the family called about the alleged rape.
He said Khumalo (Fikile) witnessed the alleged attack and confided in him. He told them to call the police.
“The boyfriend was arrested. Fikile died a day before she could testify.
“The community wants justice for Fikile and the rape victim. We won’t rest until we see the accused sentenced,” said Ntuli.
