HUNDREDS of residents of Kwetyana Village in Newlands near Mdantsane are living in fear amid claims the village is becoming one of the most dangerous areas.
Numerous cases of rapes, murder, assault and other drug-related have been reported since last year but the recent murder of 22-year-old Nosizwe Nkonqobe has sent shock waves through the community.
The young woman’s dead body was discovered close to her home on Sunday morning.
She had been disembowelled and there were strangulation marks around her neck. A neighbour and relative has since been arrested.
Residents, especially women, say they fear for their lives. Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Nkonqobe’s distraught father, Welisi described the killing as “cruel”.
“The last time we saw her she had gone to a local vigil, however, after that they went to a nearby tavern. It is even more painful that the suspect is a relative,” said Welisi.
“I have never been this hurt in my life, I rushed to the scene when my son found her near the walkway only to find my child naked in a pool of blood.”
The 33-year-old suspect held for Nkonqobe’s death was scheduled to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The outcome could not be established at the time of going to print.
The woman’s death is one of several reported.
Due to the prevalence of crime, an awareness campaign was held in the area by police, the departments of safety and liaison, correctional services and social development.
A month after the end of the June campaign last year, a 66-year-old woman was killed in her home.
Her naked body was found on the floor. She had strangulation marks around her neck.
Police spokesman Captain Mluleki Mbi said crime was spread among the villages under the Mdantsane cluster.
He said police were working closely with residents through the community policing forum.
“We are currently busy with Operation Paseka in anticipation for the Easter holidays where we will intensify our focus around liquor outlets and other drinking places to ensure compliance with the law,” Mbi said.
Yesterday residents said the major contributor to the crime were the taverns that opened up until the morning.
“Our children don’t sleep at night and elderly women are attacked in their homes and raped.
“We always bury a young person from stabbing attacks but nothing is being done by the police.
“All we want is these taverns to be closed down and maybe our village would not be so dangerous.” — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
Terror grips community
Numerous cases of rapes, murder, assault and other drug-related have been reported since last year but the recent murder of 22-year-old Nosizwe Nkonqobe has sent shock waves through the community.
The young woman’s dead body was discovered close to her home on Sunday morning.
She had been disembowelled and there were strangulation marks around her neck. A neighbour and relative has since been arrested.
Residents, especially women, say they fear for their lives. Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Nkonqobe’s distraught father, Welisi described the killing as “cruel”.
“The last time we saw her she had gone to a local vigil, however, after that they went to a nearby tavern. It is even more painful that the suspect is a relative,” said Welisi.
“I have never been this hurt in my life, I rushed to the scene when my son found her near the walkway only to find my child naked in a pool of blood.”
The 33-year-old suspect held for Nkonqobe’s death was scheduled to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The outcome could not be established at the time of going to print.
The woman’s death is one of several reported.
Due to the prevalence of crime, an awareness campaign was held in the area by police, the departments of safety and liaison, correctional services and social development.
A month after the end of the June campaign last year, a 66-year-old woman was killed in her home.
Her naked body was found on the floor. She had strangulation marks around her neck.
Police spokesman Captain Mluleki Mbi said crime was spread among the villages under the Mdantsane cluster.
He said police were working closely with residents through the community policing forum.
“We are currently busy with Operation Paseka in anticipation for the Easter holidays where we will intensify our focus around liquor outlets and other drinking places to ensure compliance with the law,” Mbi said.
Yesterday residents said the major contributor to the crime were the taverns that opened up until the morning.
“Our children don’t sleep at night and elderly women are attacked in their homes and raped.
“We always bury a young person from stabbing attacks but nothing is being done by the police.
“All we want is these taverns to be closed down and maybe our village would not be so dangerous.” — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
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