EASTERN Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta expressed shock and sorrow upon learning of the recent brutal killing of a young woman in Booysen Park, in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Zimkhitha Sakela (28) was tragically murdered, allegedly by unknown assailants. According to her mother, Nomzi Sakela, her daughter received a call from an unfamiliar number.
Nomzi recounted that Sakela left the house to investigate after receiving the call, but she never returned. Her death adds to a distressing pattern of women losing their lives, purportedly at the hands of their romantic partners.
Fanta voiced particular outrage, citing numerous awareness campaigns conducted by the department in the province to combat Gender-Based Violence.
Expressing condolences to the Sakela family, MEC Fanta announced that officials and social workers from the department were dispatched to provide psycho-social support to the victim’s home.
She also noted previous similar cases in the metro, emphasising the urgency of addressing the issue.
The young woman, who was doused with petrol, set alight, and abandoned in an open field, tragically succumbed to her injuries.
“The department will redouble its efforts against this pandemic, and urges anyone with information to assist the police in ensuring the successful prosecution of the suspect and appropriate sentencing,” said Fanta.
Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg of the South African Police Services confirmed the brutal murder.
“SAPS KwaDwesi are investigating a case of murder after the body of a female was recently found in Joe Slovo. Police were alerted to the burnt body found at Old Uitenhage Road. A few days later, she was identified as Zimkhita Sakela (28) from Chatty. At this stage the motive and the suspects are unknown.”
Anyone who can assist with information relating to the murder should contact SAPS KwaDwesi at 082 442 0964, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or the nearest police station. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MySAPS App. All information is confidential.
