Cape Town – The mother of 20-year-old Bongiwe Ninini from Khayelitsha, who was brutally killed on July 18, 2015, revealed how she struggled to process the death of her only daughter.
Nomlozi Ninini, 52, said: “Social workers that had to counsel me never came, I was depressed and had suicidal thoughts.
“I started drinking alcohol heavily and rarely spoke about my feelings, even today there hasn’t been any social worker who came to check up on me.”
She said that when she was told the suspects were arrested she never thought it would be people she knew well.
“I was so shocked and speechless because they live around the corner of our street, I couldn’t even face them at the court.
“I still want answers as to why they had to brutally kill and dispose her body at an open drain and continue with life as if nothing had happened.”
Ninini said the memory of her daughter’s death came flooding back when judgment was handed down on her daughter’s killers by Acting Judge Mushtak Parker in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday.
“I realised I will never see my daughter again, she was my last born, the only girl I really want to thank the Khayelitsha cops, church leaders and community members who gathered at my house to pray and support me.”
Bongiwe Ninini Picture: Supplied
The four killers were given life sentences for their crimes and will only be eligible for parole after serving 25 years behind bars.
Commission for Gender Equality spokesperson Javu Baloyi said: “The sentencing of the four suspects will send a strong message that the gender-based violence and other related matters are being taken seriously by the criminal justice system.
“Our society and justice system are tired of violence against women and children.
“The Commission for Gender Equality believes that such a successful prosecution will definitely give courage to other victims of gender-based violence to come out and testify, as the country deals with the scourge of violence against women.
“Research shows that four women a day are either killed or raped. This has to stop!”
SAPS worked closely with the community of Khayelitsha to reach the victory over “heartless criminals”, provincial police commissioner Khombinkosi Jula said.
“The community members are urged to continue to mobilise themselves into legitimate structures to continue making a difference on the crime front.
“The safety of communities is everyone’s responsibility and together we can ensure that our neighbourhoods are safe.”
Khayelitsha Development Forum chairperson Ndithini Tyhido said he wanted to see the partnership between police and communities continue.
“We thank the Site C and the Thembakwezi residents for not trying to take the matter into their own hands but worked with police.”