Tsakani – The lifeless body of Nobabili Nyawuza (48), a mother of six, was discovered in a trench in Tsakani Ext 8 on July 6.
Her brother, Madoda Nyawuza, explained the events leading up to her death. He said they had attended their aunt’s funeral the previous Saturday.
“After the funeral, like at any other funeral, there was an after-tears gathering. I left my sister and others there and went home,” he said.
It is alleged that Nobabili later moved to a tavern near their late aunt’s residence.
Nobabini Nyawuza leaves behind six children. Photo cred: Nomsa Ngubeni
“Eyewitnesses claimed a man approached Nobabili, bought her drinks, and sat with her. Around 10:00, he convinced her to leave with him.
“They were seen heading toward an open field, where she was later heard screaming for help. Many were too scared to intervene,” said Madoda.
He further alleged that witnesses saw the man dragging Nobabili’s lifeless body into a trench. Madoda received a call from a relative at around 02:00, informing him of his sister’s death.
“When I arrived at the scene, the community was devastated. Police, paramedics, and the forensic team were already there. I was asked to identify her body, and I was in disbelief.
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Community members gathered in large numbers on July 9 to honour the life of 48-year-old Nobabini Nyawuza with a candlelight vigil. Her lifeless body had been discovered two days earlier, on July 7, between the Ext 8 and Ext 11 bridge.
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“Her face was covered in blood. Her head was resting on a rock. She had sustained head injuries to the front and back. She was undressed, and her private area appeared as if it had been cut,” he said sorrowfully.
Madoda described his sister as a peaceful, friendly, and bubbly person. He said her horrific death has deeply affected their family, especially her children.
“Seeing her photos on social media with powerful messages only deepens their pain. If she were still with us, we’d be laughing endlessly,” he added.
He thanked the Tsakani community for their support in helping to search for the suspect and comforting the family. Nobabili’s first-born daughter, Sibongile Nyawuza (25), expressed her heartbreak.
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uMkhonto we Sizwe zonal coordinator Lucy Ndaba are out to support the Nyawuza family.
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“She has left me with the responsibility of taking care of my siblings at such a young age. My mom won’t be there to see me graduate next year. I am who I am because of her love and sacrifices. Losing her this way is unbearable,” she said.
Sibongile described her mother as a social, open-hearted woman.
“We called each other ‘girl,’ and I could talk to her about anything. She was my best friend and my pillar of strength. I am broken,” she said.
A candlelit vigil was held at Nobabili’s home on July 9, where community members gathered to honour her life. Residents shared fond memories, offered words of comfort, and pledged their continued support to the grieving family. Songs, prayers, and scripture readings echoed through the night.
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GBV brigades have been stationed at the home of the late Nobabili Nyawuza to support the family during their time of tragic loss.
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Ekurhuleni SAPS District spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela confirmed the incident.
“It is alleged that on July 6 at about 00:35, Tsakane police responded to a murder report near a house on Maruate Street, Ext 8. Upon arrival, they found the lifeless body of a woman,” said Sekgobela.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was half-naked, with stab wounds between her middle and lower body. Her body was dumped in a trench, and her shoes, wig, beanie, and house keys were found scattered nearby.”
Sergeant Lebohang Ramaesa confirmed that a suspect handed himself over to Tsakane SAPS on July 6.
The gathering was full of emotions. Photo cred: Nomsa Ngubeni
The Nyawuza family participated in the candle light. Photo cred: Nomsa Ngubeni
The grieving Nyawuza family paricipated in the candle lighting ceremony. Photo cred: Nomsa Ngubeni
Community members honoured Nobabili”s life through a candle light vigil. Photo cred: Nomsa Ngubeni
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