A community in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, has been left reeling after the tragic death of 13-year-old Zukhanye Nkabeni, who died following an alleged assault during a sleepover at her friend’s home. The incident, which occurred on 26 September 2025, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger protection of children in South Africa.
A Night That Ended in Tragedy
Zukhanye had gone to spend the night at a friend’s house in the Harare section of Khayelitsha. Instead of a joyful evening, her visit ended in tragedy after she was reportedly attacked by her friend’s mother. According to family accounts, her mother, Unathi, received a distressing call informing her that her daughter was in a critical condition.
When Unathi rushed to see her daughter, she found Zukhanye badly bruised and weak. Reports further reveal that the teenager had ingested a dangerous mix of pills, including antidepressants, antiretroviral drugs, and blood pressure medication. Unathi immediately called an e-hailing service to take her daughter to Khayelitsha District Hospital.
Despite doctors’ efforts, Zukhanye passed away before she could give a statement to police. Toxicology tests later confirmed the presence of the medication in her system.
Conflicting Accounts
The circumstances surrounding the assault remain unclear. The friend’s mother allegedly claimed that she had attacked Zukhanye because the teenager was attempting to break into their home. However, Zukhanye’s friend contradicted this, stating that the 13-year-old was simply trying to enter the house when the assault took place.
Police have since opened an inquest case, but no arrests have been made. The lack of accountability has sparked fury among residents and child protection groups.
Calls for Justice
The women and children’s rights organisation Ilitha Labantu condemned the incident and demanded swift action. Spokesperson Siyabulela Monaki stressed that the alleged perpetrator must be arrested immediately, describing Zukhanye’s death as not only a tragedy for her family but also a devastating blow to the broader community.
A Pattern of Violence in Khayelitsha
Zukhanye’s death is the second high-profile case involving a child in Khayelitsha this year. Just two months earlier, the community was shaken by the brutal murder of Lolitha Kowa, whose body was discovered with signs of rape and defensive wounds. Two suspects, Odwa Jack and Nokuthula Matyeseni, were arrested and charged with rape and murder. They later abandoned their bail application after their families refused to support their release.
These repeated tragedies have heightened fears about the safety of children in the township and raised concerns about the adequacy of protection and justice systems.
Public Outrage
On social media, South Africans expressed their heartbreak and anger. Many urged parents to exercise extreme caution when allowing children to attend sleepovers.
- “Know the people you send your kids to. Even if it’s family,” warned one user.
- “Why did she kill someone else’s child? Justice must prevail,” said another.
- Some parents echoed the sentiment that sleepovers are no longer safe, with one writing, “Never let kids sleep over at friends. Life changed for the worse.”
Moving Forward
For Zukhanye’s grieving family, the pain is immeasurable. Her grandmother, Portia Nkabeni, said the family is struggling to come to terms with the loss of a bright young girl whose life was cut short in the most brutal manner.
The Khayelitsha community and rights organisations continue to push for justice, insisting that authorities must act swiftly to ensure the alleged perpetrator faces the law. For many, Zukhanye’s tragic death is yet another painful reminder of the urgent need to protect South Africa’s most vulnerable — its children.
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