Family of dead teen demands justice after her suspected killer walks free

THE DISTRAUGHT family of Grade 12 pupil Alizwa Ndlala, 17, is seeking justice following her death under mysterious circumstances in Richmond.

Bereaved relatives in the small Northern Cape town are aggrieved that the person they believe is responsible for her death was released after being questioned by the police.

There are suspicions that Alizwa may have been poisoned.

Her grandfather, Howitson Mathebe, said that she died under unnatural circumstances on May 31.

“Alizwa was found inside a house where furniture was used to barricade the door from the inside. It appears as if the suspect exited the house through the window when he fled the scene.”

He explained that community members had assisted in searching for Alizwa after her cellphone went unanswered. She had earlier called her mother, asking her to bring her clothes.

“The suspect’s mother requested the police to assist in locating him. He tried to commit suicide by overdosing on pills when the police found him. He was taken to De Aar Hospital and later released,” Mathebe claimed.

He pointed out that the suspect was living alone in the house where his granddaughter’s body was discovered.

“She was found lying on her back, with her feet dangling over the edge of the bed. There cannot be any other suspect, yet he is now a free man. Up until today, no arrests have been made.” 

He described the suspect as someone known to Alizwa, adding that he was a “very jealous person”.

“Alizwa never frequented taverns, never drank alcohol or smoked. We laid her to rest on June 7, but I do not mind if they exhume her body so that we can find out the truth. We were not allowed to view her body in the mortuary. The death certificate indicates that it is an unnatural death, although it does not specify the exact cause of death.” 

Mathebe broke down while recounting that Alizwa had dreamed of studying to become a social worker after she completed her schooling.

“I was saving up money so that she could further her studies. She had a bright future ahead of her and was eager to make a difference in society,” he said.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said that the Richmond police had opened an inquest docket after the body of a 17-year-old girl was found in a house in Richmond on May 31 at about 10.30pm.

“The Richmond SAPS Visible Policing unit located the 25-year-old person of interest in a house in Richmond on June 4, at approximately 1.35am, where he was found in a semi-conscious state. The person of interest was admitted to hospital, questioned, but not arrested,” said Kock.

He added that the autopsy report would form part of the investigation once received.

“Anyone with information can call Detective Sergeant Stephanie Koen on 082 352 3548 or contact the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS app. All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues,” he said.

The spokesperson for the MEC for Social Development, Amanda Penxa, expressed concern over the early release of the alleged perpetrator.

“MEC Nontobeko Vilakazi wishes to implore all community members and civil society to bring forward all useful leads that could aid law enforcement in conducting a formidable investigation, ensuring swift justice for the deceased,” she said. 

“The loss of a loved one, especially due to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), is a profound tragedy. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Alizwa Ndlala.”

She added that the MEC advised residents to work with law enforcement and resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands.

“The MEC remains committed to walking alongside the family during this painful time.”

Penxa said the department was offering the bereaved family emotional and psychosocial support through grief counselling and trauma care provided by local social workers.

“GBVF is a monster that requires the community of Richmond to stand steadfast together and declare an end to all forms of abuse against our women and children.”

ANC spokesperson for the Pixley ka Seme region, Xhanti Teki, also called for law enforcement to “double up” efforts in concluding the case.

“Heinous, grotesque and brutal acts of this nature cannot be tolerated,” said Teki.