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'Cops dodging murder probe'

SEEKING JUSTICE: The Mpanza family want the police to investigate the murder of their son Sandile. They are, from left, his mother Irene, rother Dumisani, father Bhekani and sister Sibongile. Pic. Thuli Dlamini. 15/10/08. © Sowetan.
SEEKING JUSTICE: The Mpanza family want the police to investigate the murder of their son Sandile. They are, from left, his mother Irene, rother Dumisani, father Bhekani and sister Sibongile. Pic. Thuli Dlamini. 15/10/08. © Sowetan.

Canaan Mdletshe

Canaan Mdletshe

The Mpanza family in Nongoma, northern Zululand, has accused the police of dragging their feet in arresting the killers of their son.

Sandile Mpanza, 26, of Khenani in Nongoma, was attacked and stabbed to death by unknown assailants last month.

His father, Bhekani Mpanza, said his son was with his girlfriend, Nobuhle Msane, when they were attacked.

"She told us the incident happened on September 16.

"She said the attackers arrived at their house at about 3am and doused the house with petrol before setting it alight.

"Nobuhle said that while the house was on fire, the attackers threw a petrol bomb through the window," he said.

Mpanza said Msane had also told them that Sandile broke down the door and she managed to escape.

"While the girl was running away, the men attacked Sandile and stabbed him before they ran away. But Nobuhle recognised one of them," he said.

Mpanza said his son died about 200 metres from the house.

"His body remained in the veld for two days ," he said.

Sandile's mother, Irene Mpanza, said her son's brutal killing was horrifying.

She said Msane had told them that there were rumours in the neighbourhood that Sandile practised witchcraft.

"If he was a witch, why did they not report him to the headman, who is in charge of the area? Why kill him like that.

"We are also concerned about the way the police have been handling the case.

"They have not contacted or visited us even once since the incident," she said.

"We have been told different stories which don't make sense to us. The girl has come forward and is willing to give evidence, but the police have not come forward to investigate the matter," she said.

Local headman Sbu Mkhize said all headmen would meet today so they can go to King Goodwill Zwelithini to report the matter.

Police spokesman Captain Vusi Mbatha said according to police station records, only an arson case was opened and he promised to investigate why the murder docket case was not registered.

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