The investigation into the brutal murder of 14-year-old Likhona Fose has seen a major breakthrough with the arrest of a second suspect, a Pakistani national who owns a spaza shop in Durban Deep, Johannesburg. This comes amidst growing community outrage and unrest in the area following the shocking discovery of the young girl’s mutilated body earlier this month.
New Suspect Arrested
The City of Johannesburg’s Public Safety Department confirmed on Wednesday that the latest suspect was arrested after violent protests erupted and the spaza shop was looted by angry residents. Authorities revealed that the first suspect arrested in the case claimed he had been instructed by this shop owner to commit the heinous crime.
“The area is currently experiencing heightened tensions, with Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) units deployed to maintain law and order and to prevent further violence,” said a spokesperson for the department.
The arrest has intensified the public’s demand for justice in what has become a deeply unsettling case for the community of Braamfischerville and surrounding areas.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and that all available resources are being used to bring everyone involved to justice. The Public Safety Department has urged community members to remain calm and to work with law enforcement officials as they continue to gather crucial evidence.
First Suspect Already in Custody
The first suspect in the case, 39-year-old Mduduzi Mnisi, appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. His bail application has been postponed until 18 June 2025 due to strong opposition from the prosecution.
Mnisi is facing serious charges related to the murder of Likhona Fose, who was a Grade 8 learner at Ikusasalethu Secondary School. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Mnisi has prior convictions for attempted murder and robbery, adding to the gravity of the charges he now faces.
Mnisi’s defence team claimed that their client had been subjected to poor conditions while in custody, including a lack of a bed and blanket at Krugersdorp Correctional Centre. However, these complaints did little to sway the court’s decision to delay the bail hearing.
State advocate Zanele Chauke confirmed that the prosecution will vigorously oppose bail, considering Mnisi’s criminal history and the serious nature of the charges.
Motive Behind the Murder
Likhona’s family strongly believes that her murder was motivated by homophobia. The teenager openly identified as lesbian, and her family fears that this may have played a role in her brutal killing.
The tragic death of the young girl has reignited national conversations around gender-based violence, LGBTQ+ rights, and the safety of vulnerable communities in South Africa.
As the legal process continues, residents in the area remain anxious but hopeful that justice will be served for Likhona Fose.
Authorities have appealed to residents not to resort to violence, assuring them that law enforcement is committed to ensuring all those responsible face the full might of the law.