An Eastern Cape teacher who was allegedly having an affair with a pupil has been taken into custody following her tragic death.
Kungawo Nyweba’s lifeless body was recently found in a dump at Makhanda, Eastern Cape. She was set on fire and her body was burned beyond recognition.
The 19-year-old Nyweba is said to have gone missing from her home on July 5. It is alleged she was abducted by her former boyfriend, who is a teacher, and his friend. The friend was alleged to be an Alice primary school caretaker. They were together with their partners when the abduction was allegedly carried out.
Tortured, burnt with tyres and dumped
According to Women for Change, an NGO advocating against gender-based violence, two women, aged 19 and 45, and their partners were allegedly part of Kungawo’s murder.
“The four suspects allegedly tortured and killed Kungawo and then burnt her body using old tyres. [They did this] after dropping it at a dumping site in Makhanda. Kungawo’s body was burnt beyond recognition,” said the organisation.
Eastern Cape education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said the accused have been arrested. However, the fourth suspect (the school caretaker) allegedly died by suicide.
“The pupils from the [deceased] learner’s school have already received counselling and a debriefing from us.
“We collaborated with the police to provide support where necessary. And while you are aware that one of the suspects is a groundskeeper who worked for the SGB, the SGB is responsible for him. Additionally, there have been rumors that the groundskeeper died by suicide. Nevertheless, the SGB is investigating this.
Department investigating
“One of our teachers is a primary suspect in the case. And we are following all the right procedures. This to make sure that the teacher gets the punishment that he deserves,” said Mtima.
Recently, the trio made their first appearance before Alice magistrate’s court. They were denied bail.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Lungelwa Nyweba said the family is still struggling with burial preparations. They would like for the perpetrators to remain behind bars.
“This is very bad and devastating, especially to Kungawo’s mother.”
The case was postponed to July 22, 2024, for further bail application.
