KZN police on hunt for suspect behind Unisa student’s rape and murder

The investigating on the circumstances surrounding the death of a Nongoma student in northern KwaZulu-Natal is underway.

25 year old Thandeka Mbatha, was allegedly raped and strangled, the second-year Unisa student was last seen on Sunday attending an event and never returned home. Her sister reported that the victim had told her family about a teenager in the area, whose courtship towards her had become violent. Sadly her family had not noted the seriousness of the situation and dismissed it, they however expressed their regret and hope for justice.

Provincial police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said Mbatha’s body was found on Monday on a pathway to her home at Dayeni. Police are investigating if she was strangled. A case of murder is being investigated by Nongoma SAPS. No one had been arrested.

Nongoma deputy mayor, Nokubekezela Xulu said in August alone, the area had lost two women through gender-based violence.