Action Society has welcomed a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the death of Nonkululeko Gabriella Luenza “Gaby” Ndaba, after a person of interest was identified this past week following the appointment of a new investigating unit to the case.
The development comes more than three years after Gaby disappeared on 26 May 2023. Her body was discovered beneath a bridge in Boksburg on 1 June 2023, just days before her 32nd birthday. Since then, her family has endured years of unanswered questions, investigative failures and repeated delays while continuing to fight for accountability.
Although the latest development marks an important step forward, the family says they remain cautiously hopeful while awaiting further feedback from investigators.
“We have carried this burden for more than three years,” says Gaby’s mother, Ntombifuthi Stander. “For the first time in a long time, it feels like there may be movement in Gaby’s case. We know there is still a long road ahead, but we are praying that these developments will finally bring us closer to the truth and the justice Gaby deserves.”
Action Society says the progress demonstrates the importance of sustained oversight and renewed investigative focus in long-running cases.
“For years the Ndaba/Stander family has refused to allow Gaby’s case to be forgotten,” says Juanita du Preez, national spokesperson for Action Society. “This breakthrough shows why unresolved cases should never simply be accepted as another cold file. Fresh investigative capacity and renewed attention can make a meaningful difference, even years after a crime has taken place.”
Earlier this year, Action Society accompanied the family in engagements with senior SAPS officials after they raised serious concerns about the handling of the investigation. Those concerns included investigative delays, missing case dockets, incomplete witness follow-up, outstanding forensic processes and poor communication with the family.
The organisation also supported the family’s public campaign, The Gabriella Effect, during which more than 9 000 South Africans signed a petition calling for accountability and progress in the investigation.
While welcoming the latest progress, Action Society cautions that the investigation remains active and that it would be inappropriate to speculate on the outcome while investigators continue their work.
“This development offers hope, but it is not the end of the journey,” says Du Preez. “The focus must now remain on ensuring that the investigation is thorough, evidence-driven and allowed to reach its conclusion without unnecessary delays. The Ndaba family has waited long enough.”
Action Society says it will continue to provide oversight and support to the family as the investigation progresses and remains committed to advocating for a criminal justice system that delivers timely, professional and accountable investigations for every victim and every family.
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