DURBAN - Wednesday was exactly a year since the bodies of Newlands East mother and daughter Simangele Simamane and Sibongakonke Mthembu, 12, were discovered in a suitcase on Lwandle Drive in KwaDabeka, north-west of Durban.
Simamane and Sbongakonke were allegedly lured by her neighbours to their home over a children’s argument. However, when she got there she was accused of a relative’s death and was never seen again.
Neighbours Nicholas Sithembiso Lamula, his girlfriend, Slindile Pamela Zamisa, her daughter Andile Zamisa and Nomfundo Ngcobo, including a 13-year-old, are facing charges of murder, kidnapping and the obstruction of justice.
Simamane’s husband, Senzo, said he hoped all those responsible would be held accountable.
He said he was thankful to officials for communicating with him throughout.
“Losing my family has taken a toll on me. A lot has changed… I have not returned to work since the incident. However, I am pleased to see justice is being served.
“The support I have received from my colleagues, community and the officials handling this case was incredible.
“I am now convinced that we are drawing closer to the finish line. It would give me peace to witness these perpetrators go to jail for their wrongdoing. I am certain after this I would be able to move on with my life and focus on other things.”
He said he was relieved that his name was cleared as most people thought he was the suspect. However, he was concerned about the underage suspect who was released into the care of their parent.
“I am hoping that one day the South African government will change the Child Justice Act because I am a bit concerned about this child’s involvement. The 13-year-old was the instigator in this whole thing. I don’t understand why he/she is outside roaming the streets like innocent people. The child should be locked in jail so they would learn to understand what they did was not good,” said Senzo.
He added that he was also worried about his two-year-old daughter who constantly asks about her mother.
The suspects were arrested in Johannesburg and KwaDukuza in northern KwaZulu Natal in June.
This came after Lamula, 41, handed himself to the police in April, last year.
In May, the Pietermaritzburg High Court sentenced him to six years in prison, while Zamisa and her daughter were denied bail by the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court last month.
The matter was heard in the Pinetown Magistrate’s court this week.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Kara said that the matter would be back in court on November 21 which was a provisional date for appearance in the high court.
Daily News