Police offer R100k in Mbizana kidnap and murder case

Police are appealing to the public for help in solving a kidnapping and murder case from 2019.

An isiXhosa subject adviser working in Lusikisiki was kidnapped from her home in Mbizana over a year ago.

Nyameka Tywabu's body was found the following day, on June 2, in Nyanisweni forest.

Her assailants are still at large, and police need help with the case.

Provincial spokesperson Captain Khaya Tonjeni said there was a reward of up to R100,000 for anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest, prosecution and conviction.  

“At about 9.50pm on June 1 2019, Nyameka Tywabu was asleep at home in Ludeke locality, Mbizana.

“Her husband, Mpumelelo Tywabu, was in a separate room watching soccer when unknown males entered the room, pointed firearms at him and instructed him to lie down,” said Tonjeni.

While Mpumelelo was lying on the floor, he heard more people enter the room, and then someone else was forced to lie next to him. The men demanded money and the person lying next to him — his wife —  told the men that there was none in the homestead.

Tonjeni said the robbers demanded Tywabu's vehicle keys.

“The men took both cellphones from the victims before grabbing the wife and taking her with them. [The next day], at about 2am, Nyameka was found dead.

“Her Hyundai vehicle, and the two cellphones, were found in the same forest, said Tonjeni.

He said every effort to trace leads had been followed but to no avail.

“Anyone with any information relating to the murder and robbery is asked to contact  the Mthatha organised crime division, Detective Sergeant Onesimo Mtirara 071-475-1888 or Detective Colonel Nceba Mshiyo on 071-475-2292.” 

Information can also be shared on the SAPS crime stop number 08600-10111 or the 32211 crime line, or the nearest police station.

“All information will be treated with strict confidentiality,” he said.

Tywabu's older sister, Nomasomi Xhobiso, broke down as she spoke about the family's frustration.

They could find no peace until her sister's killers were behind bars, she said.

“We are hurting so much as a family. I break down every time I think about her. The way she died is suspicious,” said Xhobiso.

She described her sister — a mother of two — as kind and friendly, though outspoken.

“We could find peace if we knew who killed her and why, and for the person who killed her to face the law. We don't know if the person who did this will ever be found.

“But we have not lost hope, especially now with the reward.” - DispatchLIVE