Action Society has been mandated to oversee the murder cases of two women, Zanele Faith Mokoena and Maria Bathabile Molelekwa, both of whom were killed in Gauteng.
Zanele’s lifeless body was found in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, on 8 May 2024. The 18-year-old was allegedly kidnapped the day before her body was found. The second victim, Maria Bathabile Molelekwa (46) was allegedly murdered by her husband in Capital Park, Pretoria, on 1 January 2024.
Action Society spoke with Zanele’s family who revealed their frustration with the local police. According to the family, the man suspected of murdering her was arrested and then promptly released on bail.
“The family told us that the police officer handling the case has passed it to another officer, and it appears to be losing momentum. The family’s frustration is growing by the day with the lack of progress,” said Head of the Action Centre, Kaylynn Palm.
Maria allegedly had her throat slit by her husband who then proceeded to cut and mutilate her face before stabbing her to death in front of her 10-year-old daughter. He then locked her body up in their bedroom along with the frightened young girl. He threatened the girl that he would kill her as well if she dared call for help or made any noises.
Her body was eventually discovered by her other, older daughter, locked up in the bedroom with her little sister. The husband handed himself over to the police at a later stage but was also released on bail. Action Society has contacted the family and will look into the matter.
“Action Society will not allow these cases to go cold. We have seen in the past where apathy from the police leaves families in limbo and they are left desperate for answers. Justice delayed is justice denied and we will continue to put pressure on the police until we get justice,” concluded Palm.
