McKeed Kotlolo

McKeed Kotlolo

A Mpumalanga mother and her two sons have been arrested for the brutal murder of their 14-year-old daughter and sister for having a love affair.

The mother in her late 40s and her two sons are due to appear in the Mayflower magistrate's court today on a charge of murder. The three were arrested on Friday while they were busy with funeral arrangements.

Nonhlanhla Zikalala, a grade 7 pupil at Etisiteni Secondary School, at Mayflower in Mpumalanga, allegedly died of multiple injuries suffered during a brutal assault at her home on Monday night.

Superintendent Abbie Khoabane of the Mpumalanga police confirmed the incident. He said the three suspects were arrested on Friday and are due to appear in court today.

Khoabane said it all started last Monday after a family member spotted Nonhlanhla in the company of her boyfriend.

"Later that evening Nonhlanhla allegedly visited the boyfriend at his home, and when she did not return, the mother and her brothers went to fetch her," Khoabane said.

Back at their home, the girl was allegedly severely assaulted and neighbours could hear her screaming for help. Her body, said police, was covered with what appeared to be sjambok marks and numerous open wounds to the upper body, apparently inflicted by a sharp instrument.

Khoabane said police were alerted to the murder by neighbours, who heard the teenager screaming for help.