Duduza – The Mzima family still seeks justice a year after the body of Ntombenhle Mzima (five) was found in a veld in Bluegum View, Duduza, on January 1, 2025.
Questions continue to mount over the lack of progress in the case in which Ntombenhle was allegedly raped and stabbed to death.
Her mother, Palesa Mzima, said that on January 1, she heard community members announce the death of a child.Palesa said her daughter was home asleep like every other child on December 31. A year later, the family still has no answers.
“Some days are better than others, but memories of my daughter live on. We have not heard from the police, who promised to notify us if anything came up. They last communicated with us in November, but assured us that investigations are ongoing.
“I have put my faith in the police and remain faithful that justice will prevail,” said Palesa.
“This situation does not sit well with me, but the police assured me that such cases take time to solve. That gives me hope because I cannot go around blaming people,” she said.
She mentioned that counselling had helped her. She was urged to speak about her daughter, share memories and speak about her to heal.
“What hurt me the most was the state I found her in at the scene. It was all I ever spoke about, and the image constantly plays in my head. I sometimes sit and think of that day, the state she was in, and everything else that happened.
“But then I remind myself of what I was told during therapy. I also try to think of all the beautiful memories I created with her,” she explained.
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She does not think her life will move forward without the hurt she feels, but thanked the community for supporting her family, adding that many still communicate and check up on her.
Community activist Tankieso Masoka said the community still demands answers about several unsolved violent crime cases that have left families without justice and residents in fear.
According to him, the police had indicated that DNA samples were taken from nine individuals linked to one case.
Residents were told the results would be available within three months, yet there has been no feedback to date.
“We were told to wait seven days, then 14, then three months. Now, it’s much longer, and nothing has happened,” he said.
He revealed that unsolved cases were previously submitted to the SAPS at a crime prevention march last year, and authorities promised progress reports. However, community members say no such engagements took place.
“This is not about one case only. There are several, including those involving women and children, that remain unsolved.
“Some families have received SMSes saying their cases were closed without proper explanations,” he explained.
Masoka added that a formal complaint was lodged against a former station commander, yet no outcome has been communicated.
While acknowledging increased police visibility since the new station commander was appointed, Masoka said patrols alone do not translate into justice.
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“We see the police moving around, but cases are not being solved. Arrests mean nothing if investigations do not lead to court and justice is never served,” he said.
He warned that not solving cases fuels further violence because perpetrators could feel emboldened to reoffend.
“If people see others get away with murder, they believe they can, too. This is how violence continues in our community,” he added.
Masoka said the lack of progress has left residents frustrated and angry, but cautioned against silence.
“We cannot wait until another child is killed before we act. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he stated.
As a father, Masoka said the situation has heightened his fear for the safety of the community’s children, stressing the importance of prevention rather than reaction.
“Our message is simple: If you have a case, come forward. Let’s stand together and demand answers, accountability and justice,” he said.
The Duduza SAPS Social Crime Prevention co-ordinator and communications officer, Constable Nobuhle Mnisi, said they still await the laboratory results from the samples taken.
“There is a backlog of cases across the province, but our station commander is pushing for results on a daily basis. There have been no arrests yet,” she said.
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