Khayelitsha community takes justice into their own hands after brutal murder

In a shocking turn of events, the Khayelitsha community has allegedly taken justice into their own hands following the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a young woman.

Ward Councillor Thando Pimpi told the Cape Argus' sister publication, the Daily Voice that he was at the scene in Site B, Khayelitsha where the body of Asiphe Hlekwani, 22, was found in a communal toilet facility on November 9.

It is alleged that three suspects kidnapped, raped and murdered her.

Pimpi said: “The information is that she went out to wash and get clothes and that is when they got her. It happened while she was going home and it was dark at the time.

“The girl was raped by three guys and then they killed her. The reason why they killed her is because they understand that somebody saw them raping her.

“The suspects were seen by community members and they managed to get two and one ran away. The guys were tortured and killed by the community.”

He added while he understands their frustration he condemns their actions.

Pimpi adds: “The community is tired of the issues of crime, robberies, killings due to gun violence and rapes. 

“Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said that Khayelitsha are investigating the woman's murder.

Twigg reported: “On Sunday, at 6.35pm, the body of a 22-year-old female was found on an open field in Site B, Khayelitsha. 

“The victim had multiple stab wounds to her body and was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation. The suspect/s are yet to be arrested.”

Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais said she understands the deep frustration by the communities that continue to live under the threat of crime.

Marais said: “Too often, justice comes very slowly or, tragically, not at all. It is this reality that fuels anger and hopelessness among our residents.

“However, it is deeply concerning and unacceptable when members of the community, out of this frustration, take the law into their own hands. 

“In doing so, those who are fed up with crime become part of the very problem we are all fighting against. 

“Such actions are unlawful and only serve to bring those who seek protection by the law into conflict with the law itself placing them in the same space as the criminals.”

She urged residents to report any criminal activity to cops and to make use of the platforms available. 

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Cape Argus