Mbhashe municipality has come to the rescue of a bereaved Willlowvale family that is struggling to bury two daughters who were raped and murdered last week.
Shocked and saddened by the news of the killings, mayor Nonceba Mfecane yesterday visited the family to offer words of condolence on behalf of the municipality and the provincial government, and made a commitment to assist the family with a decent burial for the two girls.
The two Koli sisters – Cordelia, 15, and Siyamthanda, 12 – were found raped and murdered near a forest not far from an initiate lodge after they attended a traditional ceremony called umguyo (boys and girls send-off party for a boy to attend initiation the following day).
Yesterday the parents of the two sisters, Mbulelo Koli and his wife Nofirst, tried to show a brave face despite their grief.
The mayor, accompanied by ward councillor NomaGcaleka Sigcawu, who is the younger sister of AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcawu, delivered groceries and urged the family not to lose hope as “God and the municipality” were there for them in the trying and tragic time.
“Like you, we are devastated by the news of the brutal murder of you lovely daughters. We cry with you and we strongly condemn the killing especially as it comes at the time we are observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Abuse of Women and Children. This is terrible. The murderers showed no mercy and acted as if they were not human,” said Mfecane, before urging the house to say a prayer.
Handing over the groceries, Mfecane said social development MEC Nancy Sihlwayi and Premier Phumulo Masualle had also sent their condolences.
Mfecane said the municipality would provide a tent, chairs, groceries, PA system, and stage to assist in the funeral and would asked for water to be provided by the Amathole District Municipality.
The family was relieved with the commitment and help from the municipality.
“We were struggling to bury our daughters, but now with the assistance of the municipality, the heavy burden on our shoulders will be lighter,” said the girls’ father.
Their mother also thanked the municipality for assisting, saying it showed that they cared.
Thando Mgqobhozi, 21, appeared at the Willowvale Magistrate’s Court facing charges of two counts of murder, two counts of rape and two counts of robbery.
The case was postponed to Thursday for legal representation and formal bail application and he was remanded in custody.
Yesterday, his family also visited the victims’ home and strongly condemned the crime. “Like the victims’ family, we are heartbroken with what our son has done,” said the accused’s uncle, Sithela Nkonyana.
The Eastern Cape provincial government condemned the barbaric attacks, as well as the killing of an elderly married couple nearby in Libode recently.
In Msintsini village, outside Libode, an elderly couple was hacked to death in their home, in front of their grandchildren and daughter before their house was set alight.
“The government has called upon police to leave no stone unturned in investigating these barbaric incidents and ensure a successful prosecution of the perpetrators,” said state spokesman Sizwe Kupelo.
“The government further calls upon communities to be vigilant and participate in community police forums to safeguard their villages. The strength of our communities is in their unity.”
Municipality assists slain sisters’ family
Shocked and saddened by the news of the killings, mayor Nonceba Mfecane yesterday visited the family to offer words of condolence on behalf of the municipality and the provincial government, and made a commitment to assist the family with a decent burial for the two girls.
The two Koli sisters – Cordelia, 15, and Siyamthanda, 12 – were found raped and murdered near a forest not far from an initiate lodge after they attended a traditional ceremony called umguyo (boys and girls send-off party for a boy to attend initiation the following day).
Yesterday the parents of the two sisters, Mbulelo Koli and his wife Nofirst, tried to show a brave face despite their grief.
The mayor, accompanied by ward councillor NomaGcaleka Sigcawu, who is the younger sister of AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcawu, delivered groceries and urged the family not to lose hope as “God and the municipality” were there for them in the trying and tragic time.
“Like you, we are devastated by the news of the brutal murder of you lovely daughters. We cry with you and we strongly condemn the killing especially as it comes at the time we are observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Abuse of Women and Children. This is terrible. The murderers showed no mercy and acted as if they were not human,” said Mfecane, before urging the house to say a prayer.
Handing over the groceries, Mfecane said social development MEC Nancy Sihlwayi and Premier Phumulo Masualle had also sent their condolences.
Mfecane said the municipality would provide a tent, chairs, groceries, PA system, and stage to assist in the funeral and would asked for water to be provided by the Amathole District Municipality.
The family was relieved with the commitment and help from the municipality.
“We were struggling to bury our daughters, but now with the assistance of the municipality, the heavy burden on our shoulders will be lighter,” said the girls’ father.
Their mother also thanked the municipality for assisting, saying it showed that they cared.
Thando Mgqobhozi, 21, appeared at the Willowvale Magistrate’s Court facing charges of two counts of murder, two counts of rape and two counts of robbery.
The case was postponed to Thursday for legal representation and formal bail application and he was remanded in custody.
Yesterday, his family also visited the victims’ home and strongly condemned the crime. “Like the victims’ family, we are heartbroken with what our son has done,” said the accused’s uncle, Sithela Nkonyana.
The Eastern Cape provincial government condemned the barbaric attacks, as well as the killing of an elderly married couple nearby in Libode recently.
In Msintsini village, outside Libode, an elderly couple was hacked to death in their home, in front of their grandchildren and daughter before their house was set alight.
“The government has called upon police to leave no stone unturned in investigating these barbaric incidents and ensure a successful prosecution of the perpetrators,” said state spokesman Sizwe Kupelo.
“The government further calls upon communities to be vigilant and participate in community police forums to safeguard their villages. The strength of our communities is in their unity.”
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