Relatives, friends, and residents in Philippi on Wednesday said their last goodbyes to murdered teen Amahle Quku as her body was brought to the place where she was found murdered two weeks ago.
The SAPS Women’s Network, joined by the SAPS Youth Desk, first held a candlelight ceremony in remembrance of all victims of Gender-Based Violence in the morning.
Later, the casket of the 17-year-old meisie was temporarily placed where her body was found.
This was so her family could “collect her spirit” before transporting her to the Eastern Cape where she will be buried at the weekend.
“If it was up to me, the suspect would get a life sentence,” said Nyanga Police Station commander Brigadier Sivuyile Ncatha.
“The suspect who took Amahle from us does not deserve to live among us.”
Police have arrested Leonard Mzingeli, 25, for the murder, and said more charges could be added as it is believed the teen was also raped.
Police also confirmed that the community leader who had handed over Mzingeli had died in hospital after being shot.
This after he was attacked by angry people who had wanted to deal with the suspect themselves.
Addressing the community, Philippi CPF chairperson Dumsani Qwebe cautioned against mob justice attacks, saying: “When you decide to take the law into your own hands you are not assisting. Police who should be looking after us are now placed in hospitals looking after a person who was assaulted by the community.”
This was in reference to the assault of a soldier who was accused of raping a 70-year-old woman in the same area earlier this week.
Amahle’s family thanked everyone who had contributed towards her burial.
The Gift of the Givers organisation also provided the family with blankets and food parcels.