Family seeks justice for slain teen after Khayelitsha sleepover ends in tragedy
Zukhanye Nkabeni, 13, was allegedly assaulted by her friend's mother during a sleepover in Khayelitsha.
Image: Facebook
A sleepover last Friday took a tragic turn when 13-year-old Zukhanye Nkabeni was allegedly assaulted by her friend's mother in Khayelitsha.
The attack occurred in Harare, and Zukhanye was quickly taken to Khayelitsha District Hospital, where she sadly passed away shortly after midnight on Saturday.
Her grandmother, Portia Nkabeni, said the family is devastated. “My daughter, Unathi, called me and said she was at Zukhanye's friend’s place. She said she was not in good condition, she was sitting on a couch and she had no energy. She even thought she was sleeping, and woke her up and she was unable to walk. The friend’s mother told Unathi that they assaulted Zukhanye because she was trying to break into their home.”
The family was also told that Zukhanye had taken a cocktail of pills.
“There was no water in the room, but they said she took pills. Unathi got an e-hailing vehicle after she started relieving herself, and then when she asked Zukhanye if she was okay, she answered yes. My granddaughter’s forehead was swollen from the beating with the broomstick. Unathi went to the police station first so the police could take the statement from Zukhanye but they insisted that she must first go and get the J88 form filled and then return to the hospital, but she didn’t make it out,” the grandmother said.
The grandmother said the doctors later found traces of high blood pressure medication, antiretrovirals, and depression pills in Zukhanye’s system.
Despite the family’s claims, police confirmed no arrests have been made.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said Lingelethu West police registered an inquest case in Bhobhoyi Street, Ilitha Park, in the early hours of September 27.
“Reports of assault were not mentioned. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” he said.
Women and children's rights organisation Ilitha Labantu condemned the teenager’s killing. Spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said: “Reports indicate that Zukhanye was visiting a friend when the friend’s mother, together with two other women, launched a violent attack on her, beating her on the head with planks.
Monakali said the case highlights how children are often harmed by those they trust.
Ilitha Labantu extended its condolences to the family and urged swift police action.
Portia expressed that the family has no funds to bury Zukhanye. If anyone would like to assist, please contact her on 082 883 4845.
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