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Brutally murdered girl laid to rest

Benson Ntlemo

Benson Ntlemo

Thousands of mourners turned out to bury Nsovo Sambo, the 15-year-old who was brutally raped and stabbed 66 times at Greenfarm in Malamulele, Limpopo.

At the Sambo household at Madonsi, speakers eulogised the young girl and lamented the levels of crime in South Africa.

Emelinah Myambo, who represented the Hand of Blessings Church which Nsovo attended, said the teenager was known for her cool head. She was a member of the church choir.

"After we heard of her death, we immediately arranged prayers to console young members of the church who seemed inconsolable," said Myambo.

Aubrey Mabasa, the principal of EPP Mhinga High where Nsovo was in Grade 9, said she was killed on the eve of her exams. He said some of the pupils fainted after learning of her death.

Madonsi royal council chairman Judas Hlungwani spoke on behalf of Chief Elvis Madonsi.

He said the local chief was disappointed with the Thulamela municipality after it failed to support the family as it has done in the past.

"Let us fight crime because it has robbed us of someone like Nsovo, who had a bright future ahead of her," he said.

Sowetan spoke to Chief Madonsi who expressed concern over the role played by the municipality in the funeral.

"We are all South Africans but we are not being treated equally by the municipality."

He said the mayor, Chief Norman Makumbane, had attended funerals in Thohoyandou but had not done so in Malamulele. Municipality spokesman Nndwamato Tshiila said he was not aware of the girl's death because he had a death in his family.

"I will investigate what happened because we treat all areas equally, "said Tshiila.

Nsovo's alleged killer, Hlengani Wilson Shirinda, has appeared in court and was remanded until December 15.

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