Friends, family and community leaders have welcomed the arrest of three men over the rape and murder of a Khayelitsha mother.
The three men, aged 25 to 35 years, will appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court today.
Community leaders and friends of the victim, Zanele Sandlana, have described the arrests as a breakthrough – a first step to healing and closure.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said Khayelitsha Cluster detectives arrested the suspects last week.
Sandlana was last seen by her family on September 2, when she left to visit friends. They all went to a party.
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The discovery of her body was made the following day among rubbish in an open field in TR section, Khayelitsha, face down, her clothes removed bar a bra and a shoe. A bottle was stuffed in her mouth.
Zanele’s friend of 10 years, Zahania Tiya, who was with her at the party, has said she last saw Sandlana before 4am on September 3, as her friend was leaving the party.
Tiya said she received an SMS from Sandlana’s mother on September 4 asking where her daughter was but she did not know.
Sandlana’s daughter, 2, is now an orphan. Her father died last year.
Rwexana said a case of murder and rape had been opened for investigation.
“Crimes against women and children top the SAPS agenda. Police will not rest until those responsible are removed from society,” said Rwexana.
The victim’s sister, Amanda Sandlana, was still too distraught to speak to the media.
Sandlana’s aunt, Lumka Ntloko, said the family would have to meet and discuss the arrests before issuing a statement to the media.
Sandlana’s friend Nobesuthu Ntwanambi, said she and other friends were happy that police had made the breakthrough.
“We now know who the suspects are. At least the family (Sandlanas) have the first step to getting closure on their child’s brutal murder.
"The arrests affirm that the community will know what happened on that fateful night.
“It is still confusing why she was killed in that manner.”
Harare Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Ronnie Busakwe, welcomed the arrests and urged residents to come forward with any information that would lead to the conviction of the suspects.