THE family of newly elected councillor Douglas Bembani was still celebrating his win when tragedy struck.
Last Monday the 13-year-old daughter of the councillor from Nkomo B Village outside Giyani in Limpopo was allegedly stabbed to death by a neighbour because she would not give him R5!
Residents described the 36-year-old suspect as a loner who preferred to stay indoors. Witnesses claimed after Neo Bembani refused to give the suspect R5 he became angry, saying now her family was rich.
Furious residents beat the suspect but he was rescued and taken to hospital to recover under police guard.
During the funeral on Saturday, Neo was described as a star pupil who always was among her grade’s top 10 and always scored above 80% for maths.
Speaking on behalf of the chief, his brother Gem Mahumani said the suspect’s family had not even bothered to apologise to the Bembanis.
“That just goes to show what kind of family they are,” he said.
He promised steps would be taken to ensure the village was made safe again.
“I don’t know what will happen to that murderer when he comes out of hospital. Prison or not, he and his family will have to move out. We don’t want to live among wild animals,” he said.
Neo’s madala, Bull Bull Bembani, said: “We lost our little angel. She had enormous potential and would have grown up to be a teacher or a doctor.”
Warrant Officer Thomas Makhubela confirmed a murder case had been opened and the suspect was recovering in hospital. “He will appear in court as soon as he is discharged from hospital,” said Makhubela.
