Tragic End for Accused in Shocking Schoolgirl Murder Case
A 23-year-old man accused of killing matric pupil Lethukuthula Masango has reportedly taken his own life. The suspect was found hanging on Tuesday, 1 April, at a house in Pienaar, a township outside Mbombela in Mpumalanga.
Police Confirm Suicide and Open Inquest Docket
Mpumalanga police spokeswoman, Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane, confirmed that the accused was found hanging at around 8 PM. Authorities have since opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
Background of the Case
The suspect was initially arrested on 14 March after Masango’s lifeless body was discovered in a backroom belonging to the accused in Lekazi. She was found with a rope around her neck, lying on the floor covered with a duvet. The other end of the rope was hanging from the roof.
The incident shocked the community, especially after it was revealed that Masango had left for school that day but never returned home. Concerned family members reported her missing at the KaNyamazane police station. Shortly after, a neighbor called to inform them that a body of a young girl in school uniform had been found nearby.
Suspect Walked Free Due to Insufficient Evidence
Despite the disturbing evidence at the crime scene, the suspect was released from custody after his case was not enrolled at the KaBokweni Magistrates Court due to a lack of sufficient evidence. His release sparked public outrage and frustration among those seeking justice for Masango.
Police who arrived at the crime scene on 14 March found the suspect present at the house where the body was discovered. He initially claimed that the room where Masango’s body was found belonged to his brother, who was not home at the time.
Community in Shock
The suspect’s sudden death has left the community divided, with some believing he took his life due to overwhelming guilt, while others argue that his release was a failure of the justice system.
Masango’s tragic death has reignited concerns about violence against young women and the handling of gender-based violence cases in South Africa. Community members and activists have called for stricter measures to ensure suspects in violent crimes face justice without delays.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities continue to investigate both the murder of Lethukuthula Masango and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s suicide. Police have urged anyone with additional information to come forward to assist with their inquiries.
The case serves as yet another grim reminder of the violence faced by women and children in South Africa, sparking renewed calls for urgent action to prevent such tragedies in the future.