‘Barbaric & shameful’: Nzimande reacts to murder of Fort Hare student

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande says he’s deeply saddened by the death of Nosicelo Mtebeni, a fourth-year Law student at the University of Forth Hare. Mtebeni was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend.

The savage manner of her murder has shocked South Africans – the 23-year-old’s dismembered body parts were stuffed into a suit case. Her other limbs were also found in a black plastic bag on Thursday, 19 August 2021, in Quigney, East London.

Nzimande has expressed condolences to Mtebeni’s family and friends and further condemned the brutality of the crime.

“I denounce such barbaric and shameful acts committed against women, both in our institutions of learning and in society in general. Our society cannot continue harbouring such disgraceful people and criminals, who are hell-bent to tear the moral fibre of our society apart. What is so even saddening is that the suspect would even commit such gruesome act in a month in which we marks  and  celebrate Women’s Month”

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande

Nosicelo Mtebeni killing: Suspect to appear in court on Monday

Nosicelo Mtebeni’s 25-year-old boyfriend is the main suspect in her murder and is expected to make an appearance in court on Monday, 23 August 2021. The couple reportedly lived together.

Police said the body parts (in the black bag and suitcase) were discovered outside the couple’s home, while Mtebeni’s head was found inside their cupboard.

’’While at the scene, police received information that a 25-year-old suspect believed to be linked to the murder was found and immediately arrested,” Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said.

The province’s police commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga has also expressed shock at the gruesome crime.

“This is one of the devastating scenes women do not want to see during this Women’s Month. The incident represents a manifestation of the stubbornness of gender-based violence and femicide incidents which are endemic within our society,” Ntshinga said.