THE family of the late Ekurhuleni West College student, Mbali Hlongwane, can now breathe a sigh of relief.
This after her alleged killer was arrested a year after she was murdered.
Although the family is relieved the suspect is finally behind bars, seeing him in court on Monday, 7 November, evoked a lot of emotions for them.
The circumstances around Mbali’s death are still unknown, but it is alleged she was killed over an argument that happened on a students’ WhatsApp group.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Mbali’s father Vusi Maduna said they had problems sleeping when they received the call that the suspect, who had been on the run, was found.
Vusi said: “When the investigating officer phoned me on Saturday, 5 November, we couldn’t sleep due to anxiety. There is sense of relief, but emotions are high. The arrest won’t bring Mbali back, but this guy must go away for a long time.”
Vusi said during the court appearance, the suspect didn’t show remorse and appeared arrogant, which upset the family.
To this day, Vusi said they still don’t have answers to why Mbali was killed.
On 29 October last year, Daily Sun reported on the story of Mbali, who was killed on 21 October after writing exams. Mbali’s cousin, Lindokuhle, told the People’s Paper that there was bitterness over students who qualified for exams and those who didn’t. She was quoted as saying: “When they celebrated in the class WhatsApp group, the suspect passed silly remarks.”
Sergeant Sibusiso Mazibuko said the 29-year-old suspect was arrested in the Western Cape on Friday. “He appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate court facing a charge of murder. He will appear again on 6 December 2022,” said Mazibuko.
