While Valentine’s Day is meant to celebrate love, a 22-year-old woman was brutally murdered by her boyfriend on Saturday, leaving her family and the community of Manjengeni in shock.
Manjengeni falls under Mhlangatane Inkhundla in the northern Hhohho region.
The deceased, Siphumelele Nkentjane (22), was allegedly stabbed multiple times in the head and neck by her 29-year-old boyfriend from Lonhlalane at around 2pm.
The tragic incident has left the Mahlalela family of Manjengeni devastated.
According to a relative, Nkentjane had prepared to travel to the small town of Tshaneni when she received a call from the suspect, who asked about her Valentine’s Day plans.
She told him she was going to Tshaneni.
He then suggested they meet, as he was also planning to travel to Mananga Border Post. She agreed.
The family expressed surprise at her decision to meet him, as the relationship was reportedly unstable.
It is alleged that Nkentjane had informed the suspect that she no longer wished to continue the relationship. However, he allegedly refused to accept the break-up and demanded the return of items he had bought her.
He also allegedly insisted that she repay E1 500, which he claimed to have given her as a gift.
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Another relative alleged that the suspect promised Nkentjane money and a Valentine’s Day gift, which may have persuaded her to meet him.
Shortly afterwards, the family received a call informing them of the incident.
Two men working at a local hardware store reportedly saw the suspect near the scene. When he noticed them, he fled.
The men rushed to the spot and found Nkentjane lying in a pool of blood, fighting for her life.
They immediately went to Mananga Border Post to alert the police. However, officers reportedly did not have a vehicle available and had to contact another station, which also lacked transport.
A community member eventually used their vehicle to take Nkentjane to Mhlume Hospital. On the way, they met a police vehicle, which completed the journey.
Nkentjane was still alive upon arrival but was later certified dead.
Family members said she had sustained multiple stab wounds and that there were clear signs of a struggle.
“There was blood all over the place; it was clear they fought before she was attacked.
We are devastated that our child could die such a painful death over a mere E1 500,” one relative said.
Nkentjane, who lived with her mother’s family, leaves behind two children. She did not have a child with the suspect.
The suspect has not yet been arrested and is believed to be on the run.
Acting Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Mazwi Ndzimandze confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect remains at large.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information to assist in the investigation.
Deceased’s Family Appeals for Help with Funeral Costs
The Mahlalela family, where Siphumelele Nkentjane lived, has appealed for public assistance to help bury the deceased.
Speaking to this publication, the deceased’s mother, Simphiwe Mahlalela, said the family was facing financial difficulties as Nkentjane did not have funeral cover.
“We are struggling as a family, thus our appeal to members of the public to assist us during this painful time,” said Mahlalela.
She revealed that the family is still reeling from another recent bereavement, having buried a relative just two weeks ago.
“We have not even performed the cleansing (umchiso) for him, now this. We have not yet recovered emotionally and financially from the recent death and funeral,” she said.
Mahlalela said the unexpected death of her daughter had left the family devastated and uncertain about how they would manage the funeral expenses.
“We are still grieving the previous loss, now we must find money for another funeral. It is very painful,” she said.
The family has called upon members of the public and the wider community to assist in any way possible to ensure Nkentjane receives a dignified burial.
