‘Heartbroken to discover our daughter lying lifeless’: Aunt

Residents of Bethal, Mpumalanga, are expressing alarm over a surge in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide cases in their area. This comes after the tragic deaths of two individuals within a week. 42-year-old Bongani Mlambo was allegedly kidnapped, and his body was discovered dumped in the veld. The second victim, Thembi Lukhele, was found dead after being stabbed to death on Sunday night. Her body was also located in the veld. Lukhele's intimate partner is suspected to be responsible for her death.

Thembi's aunt, Gertrude Nkosi, shares the family's heartache, stating that they are struggling to cope with her loss. "We were heartbroken to discover our daughter, Thembi, lying lifeless in the veld. Our sadness is mainly because she left behind four children, who are struggling to cope with the trauma of her loss. We are calling for the law to take its course, as the killings of women in our area have become alarming, particularly at the hands of young men."

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane reveals that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the two murder cases. A woman was found in the veld, and a male friend was arrested in the cell. Tragically, the male friend died under unexplained circumstances while in custody, and an investigation by the IPID is underway.

A murder case has been opened in the first case of Bongani Mlambo, and the suspect, Tsepo Mokoena, is now in court. Ndubane urges the community to seek assistance or help from appropriate institutions or departments, including the police, if they are facing issues that need resolution.