Parents from the Gqwarhu locality in Libode are now forced to accompany their children when going to Mabhulana Senior Secondary School following the recent kidnapping and murder of a Grade 11 learner, Aviwe Ncekese (17).

Her funeral service will be held at her home in Gqwarhu locality tomorrow, February 21.

This was confirmed by Nonwabile Ndonga (49), the aunt of the deceased. She explained that on the day of the incident, Aviwe left for school as usual but never returned.

“There was another tragic incident at home where one of our children, Ayabonga Maduna (19), was hacked to death in Durban. Because of that, Aviwe’s grandmother was staying in her homestead as we were preparing for his funeral when she (Aviwe) disappeared. One of the children who lived with her came to drop off her child at her grandmother’s house, informing her that she had not returned from school,” said Ndonga.

She added that later in the afternoon, some learners from the same school informed them that she had been absent from school that day. “We became very worried and started informing other relatives and checking on her whereabouts. We later heard that on the day of the incident, she passed by the cottage where she used to stay before, but the woman she visited was not around, so she left for home. Unfortunately, she did not reach her home. Days passed without her return, and while we were still searching, we received a call from my brother informing us that her body had been found next to the road.

“When we rushed to the scene, we found her half-naked with an open wound on her face. She had already passed away. What puzzles us is that it was drizzling that day, yet her school bag was not wet.”

She described Aviwe as a helpful and responsible young girl who always gave advice when necessary. “She was not just a learner; she was also a Christian, even though she was still young. Her dream was to build a home and assist her family since we are less fortunate.”

Ndonga further stated that they wished for scholar transport or a hostel to ensure the safety of their children.

Bishop Phumzile Siyibana from Spiritual Crime Prevention in the O.R. Tambo District emphasised the need for government intervention. “The government must build hostels in schools to keep learners safe. This area is not safe at all — it’s like a forest, making it easy for criminals to do whatever they want. We were also told there is no scholar transport, which puts our children at risk,” said Siyibana.

The SAPS Women’s Network from the Libode police station visited the bereaved family, offering support and donating groceries. Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, stated that the Women’s Network has been actively involved in community programmes to support victims of crime.

“This initiative comes from the goodwill of SAPS women who support victims of gender-based violence by donating groceries or fulfilling other needs. The Women’s Network is not government-funded; instead, members contribute among themselves to assist victims,” said Mawisa.

She confirmed that police are investigating a murder case after a 17-year-old girl was found dead in the Gqwarhu locality outside Libode. Mawisa added that no arrests have been made yet, and investigations are ongoing.