Cry for justice for Nozuko

The Gquma family in Gugulethu want to see justice for the death of their daughter who was found in Mau-mau, in Nyanga. From left are Rebecca Lentjies, mother Nosipho Gquma, Luvuyo Gquma and Lindile Gquma.

The family of 30-year-old Gugulethu resident Nozuko Gquma say they want the law to run its course rather than see a retaliation for her death.

Nozuko was killed in Nyanga on the night of Sunday July 19.

Her badly beaten body was found in Mau-mau by passers-by.

Her mom Nosipho said her daughter came to her at around 8pm and said she had a “tender” (temporary job) from the butcher owner she used to assist.

She said minutes later somebody came with a car and called her outside.

It was the last time she saw Nozuko.

At around 10pm she got a call from someone who said her daughter was lying badly assaulted in Mau-mau.

She said they have information about a possible culprit but nobody has been arrested.

“All we ask for is justice and information of the events leading to her killing. We then call for police to protect women in general. Women’s cases are not cared for in Gugulethu. It is time for police to make a good example by arresting the culprit.”

She said residents angry at the death of her daughter closed the streets by burning tyres to protest.

However, she appealed to residents to allow the law to take its course.

“I understand the people’s frustration but we need to give the law a space to investigate,” she said.

Nozuko’s stepfather, Mvuzo Nkosi, said his daughter was excited to get a temporary job and promised to buy her mother a few things.

“It was not to be. As things stand we cannot even afford her funeral. No one is working here. We are now dependent on people to give us what they have. This could have been avoided.”

He wants the case to be investigated thoroughly. He also made calls that the suspect should be brought to book and be sentenced heavily.

Another family member, Lindile Gquma has promised to follow the case up and put pressure on police to always prioritise cases against women and children.

He accused police of not taking such cases seriously.

“Gugulethu police station is known for neglecting gender-based violence cases and those against children. This is something that is known here and we need to put a stop to it. I will organise non governmental organisations like my Sonke Gender and others to put more pressure on police,” he said.

Mr Gquma has also appealed to people to help the family bury their child.

Gugulethu police spokesperson Constable Sindisiwe Ngqele said there is no sign of the case number 360/07/20 reported at the station.

He said the station’s cases end at 304. He said there might be a mistake somewhere.