MPHO Simelani would have turned 23 in two months time, but her life was sadly cut short on 23 March 2023.
When her half naked body was found dumped at the corner of Namande Drive and Columbia streets in Tlamatlema Section, Thembisa, she had sustained at least 24 stab wounds on her chest, her throat was almost slit and her lips were bust.
Her then boyfriend, Tshepo Sithole (31) was arrested after he was linked the the murder.
Her family still feels her death
However, the past year has been tough for Mpho's family, who feel the heavy silence since her death.
“She would have been 23 on 24 July. I honestly don’t know how to feel. I was shocked when I saw pictures of the scene. I am really trying, but my mom was hit hard by her death,” said Mpho's mum, Nomasonto.
Nomasonto said even though Mpho was a naughty kid, she had changed and wanted to keep on the straight and narrow.
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“She kept telling us she wanted to live for her kids. She was even looking for a job,” she said.
Mpho’s niece Nthombi said her death left a scar she can never forget.
“She was killed like a dog. She was always someone I could rely on. I kept my spare key with her, and she would always help with laundry. We shared clothes and bonded a lot. I'd do her make-up when she went out. I feel her death,” she said.
Details of the killing
Daily Sun have seen court papers revealed how Mpho and the accused left together in a car on 23 March 2023.
Later that night, the accused was seen pulling over and dropping Mpho’s lifeless body off the car.
Court papers also revealed that the accused later called his mother telling her how he had physically assaulted the deceased and that he thought she might be dead.
“(Mpho) was found disposed with her pants down. She had multiple stab wounds to the chest,” read the papers.
The accused was arrested on 25 March 2023 at Thembisa Hospital after an alleged suicide attempt.
National Prosecuting Authority spokeswoman, Phindi Mjonodwane confirmed the matter stating that it is currently on the roll in the Joburg High Court.
