“Violence continues to plague the town of Mbekweni, and the murder of Asiphe Cetwayo shows the level of cruelty and disregard for human life that is often involved in these murders. The community is appalled and deeply shaken, and we will be standing in solidarity with them on Monday when one of the suspects will appear at the Paarl Magistrates court,” said Head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape, Kaylynn Palm.
Asiphe’s mutilated body was found by herdsman at the Vlakkeland dumping site on Monday, March 4. She was raped and murdered the previous day and her body was severely burnt with acid. The local community gathered outside the Mbekweni Police station, demanding answers regarding the investigation. A candlelit vigil was held for her on Wednesday, 6 March, and the Action Society team was in attendance.
“Asiphe was a final year teaching student and her heartbroken family described her as a focused young lady who had a bright future ahead of her. We will not let her name be forgotten, and we will fight alongside the community until justice is served,” said Palm.
One suspect will appear before the court on Monday, and the community is expected to gather outside. We are encouraging members of the media to join our call for justice for Asiphe.
DATE: 11 March 2024
TIME: 08:00
PLACE: Paarl Magistrates court
