In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through the community of Daggakraal, Mpumalanga, a 19-year-old man, Simphiwe Mkhwanazi, has been remanded in custody over the alleged murder of 37-year-old Ellen Dlamini.
Mpumalanga horror: Man charged with girlfriend’s gruesome murder
The gruesome discovery of Dlamini’s body in a shallow grave has left the community in disbelief and mourning.
Timeline of Events
The tragic sequence of events unfolded over the course of a week, with Ellen Dlamini’s disappearance sparking concern among her neighbours, according to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
The timeline of events leading to the discovery of her body is as follows:
- 4 August 2023: Ellen Dlamini was last seen leaving a local tavern in the company of Simphiwe Mkhwanazi at around 22:00. This would mark the last known contact with her before her disappearance.
- 8 August 2023: Concerned neighbours, growing worried about Dlamini’s absence, contacted her partner, who worked in Gauteng then. Unable to locate her, he reported her missing to the local police station.
- 11 August 2023: Police received a tip about a shallow grave in the Daggakraal cemetery, prompting them to investigate.
Disturbingly, body parts were reportedly protruding from the grave.
Dlamini’s partner was present during the exhumation and positively identified her remains.
The state of the body indicated signs of violence, including facial bruises and a bone shoved down her throat. Additionally, some of her clothing items were found nearby.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
As the last person seen in the company of Ellen Dlamini, Simphiwe Mkhwanazi was detained for questioning by the police.
Subsequent investigation and interrogation led to his arrest on murder charges. On Monday, 14 August 2023, Mkhwanazi appeared before the Amersfoort Magistrate’s Court.
The court remanded him in custody while further investigations took place. He is set to appear in court again on 11 September 2023, as legal proceedings continue.
Community Response and Call to Action
The heinous nature of Ellen Dlamini’s murder has sparked widespread outrage within the community and beyond.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, strongly condemned the incident as a case of gender-based violence (GBV).
She urged women to exercise caution and prioritize their safety by not trusting strangers, emphasizing the importance of relying on individuals they know and trust.