Cape Town - The family of 7-month-old Inganathi Mnani, who was brutally murdered, said they feared for their lives after receiving threatening calls from the alleged killer.
Zukile Nakuphi, who was released from prison a few days before the incident, is wanted in connection to Inganathi’s murder.
He allegedly beat the infant to death after a fight broke out with Inganathi’s mother, Andisiwe Mnani, in the early hours of Monday.
On Thursday, when the Cape Argus visited the family’s home in Philippi, Inganathi’s grandmother, Khululwa Ruga, had just ended a phone call with Nakuphi.
“He called to ask me why his house was destroyed and accused us of taking his ID and handing it over to the police. He said he would be back for us tonight,” Ruga said.
Nakuphi’s house, where the murder took place, is situated in Thembisa informal settlement about 10 minutes from Ruga’s home.
On Tuesday, a mob of angry residents destroyed his house.
Ruga said Nakuphi called from an 072 number at 11.35am.
She said: “I didn’t know the number, but when I answered I recognised his voice and that’s when he started bombarding me with questions about his ID and his house. He told me he would be back for us tonight. He was going to open fire on us.”
According to the devastated grandmother, Nakuphi had a history of violence. “He once smashed my house windows and broke our door because my daughter refused to come out and talk (to) him. We are scared of him.”
Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said the cops had been informed about the threats.
“The investigating officer was informed and visible policing will be conducted in the vicinity and will also be provided with numbers they can contact in the case of emergency.”
Nakuphi has tried making contact with relatives asking them for money.
Ntombikayise Mdaka is married to Nakuphi’s brother, who cannot be named.
She said Nakuphi had contacted her and another family member a day after Inganathi’s murder.
“He asked if I could lend him money. I told him I won’t and asked his whereabouts, I was still mad at him for what he had done. He won’t be able to go far as he is broke and right now everyone is angry at him. He has shamed as all, worse thing is that we are left to correct his wrongs.”
Nakuphi’s neighbours said they were awoken by Mnani’s screams on the morning of the incident.
Nolulama Mondi said: “When we got to his shack to see what was happening we found Mnani holding the baby to her chest. She was screaming ‘he killed my child’ repeatedly. Nakuphi had already fled the scene.”
Mondi said they hadn’t known Nakuphi was a violent man and had been shocked by the incident.
“He was in and out of prison for shoplifting, maybe prison changed him. We fear him now.”
Community leader Ahluma Ziselo said the community had reached a consensus to destroy his home and ban him.
“He failed to show remorse. No sane person kills a child, especially in that way. He is an animal – we don’t want him here.”
Nakuphi fled the scene on Monday dressed in navy and white shorts, slippers and a white vest.
Van Wyk said police had not made any arrests and the investigation continues.
Cape Argus