Residents of Bethal in Mpumalanga are raising concerns over what they describe as an alarming increase in cases of gender-based violence and femicide in the area.
The concerns follow the deaths of two people within the space of a week, with both bodies reportedly discovered dumped in open veld.
Forty-two-year-old Bongani Mlambo was allegedly kidnapped before his body was later found in the veld.
In a separate incident, Thembi Lukhele was allegedly stabbed to death on Sunday night. Her body was also discovered in the veld, with her intimate partner suspected of being responsible for her death.
Lukhele’s aunt, Gertrude Nkosi, says the family is struggling to come to terms with her death, particularly as she left behind four children.
“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,” Nkosi said.
She has called for the law to take its course, saying the number of women being killed in the area has become increasingly concerning.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane confirmed that suspects had been arrested in connection with the two murder cases.
Ndubane said a man who was arrested in connection with Lukhele’s death later died in police custody under unexplained circumstances.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, while a murder case has also been opened.
In Mlambo’s case, police said he had previously been reported missing before his body was discovered. A suspect, identified as Tsepo Mokoena, has been arrested and the matter is now before court.
Police have appealed to community members experiencing disputes or other difficulties to seek assistance from the police or relevant government departments rather than resorting to violence.
The investigations into the deaths are continuing.