“We are finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel in the murder case of Cleo Diko,” said Action Society’s Kaylynn Palm outside the Mitchells Plain Regional court on Wednesday, 7 February. “For months the case dragged on as basic evidence was not filed and the defence’s team used the diphtheria outbreak to further delay the case. This meant we had to pile on the pressure to get the case to move ahead. Now our hard work has paid off. On 28 February, the suspect will appear for a plea, which is generally followed by a trial.” In the meantime, the accused killer, Sandile Jegwa will remain behind bars.
Cleo went missing in October 2022. Her decomposed body was found three months later on 27 January 2023 in Mandalay in Cape Town. There was a rope tied around her neck and her body was hidden under a bed, covered with cement and tiles. Her identity had to be confirmed through DNA testing,” explains Action Society’s Kaylynn Palm. “Jegwa was arrested after the police received a call from a woman who told them about blood-stained blankets and pillows she had come across while cleaning the separate entrance where the accused stayed. Jegwa was arrested near a railway, where he was living.
Cleo’s family said they are extremely pleased that the case is finally moving forward. The mother feels positive about the movement in the case, and wishes to thank Action Society for putting pressure on the court for taking her daughter’s murder seriously.
