By Thabo Mosia
Eastern Cape Police Intensify Search After Chieftainess Murdered, Learners Assaulted in Mqhekezweni
Mqhekezweni, Eastern Cape –
Residents of Mqhekezweni village in the O.R. Tambo District, Eastern Cape, are in deep shock and mourning following the brutal murder of a traditional leader, Chieftainess Nogcinile Mtirara, and the horrific assault on six Grade 12 learners. The violent incident, which occurred on Monday evening at the Mqhekezweni Great Place, has left the close-knit community shaken and demanding justice.
Eastern Cape police are actively searching for two suspects believed to be responsible for the murder of iNkosi Nogcinile Mtirara and the assault on learners from Jongintaba High School. The suspects, reported to be armed and dangerous, are still at large, and police have urged the public to provide any information that might assist in their capture.
Tragic Night at Mqhekezweni Great Place
The night of horror unfolded at the historic Mqhekezweni Great Place, a site rich in cultural heritage. Chieftainess Nogcinile Mtirara, a respected leader and mother-in-law to Chief Mtirara, was gunned down by two men wearing balaclavas. The killers fled the scene, leaving a community devastated by the loss of a respected figurehead.
In a related and equally disturbing incident that same evening, six Grade 12 learners from Jongintaba High School were assaulted and raped by the same group of assailants in the vicinity of the Mqhekezweni Administrative area. According to police reports, the learners were robbed at gunpoint before being subjected to violence. This dual tragedy has amplified calls for swift justice and increased security in the area.
Police Response and Investigation
Eastern Cape police are conducting a large-scale manhunt to locate the suspects. Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape, emphasised that law enforcement is “working around the clock” to track down those responsible. “The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Nomthetheli Mene, has mobilised top detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, alongside forensic experts, to lead the investigation,” said Mawisa.
Two specialised teams have been assembled to tackle the incidents: the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is focusing on the murder investigation, while the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is dedicated to the assault case involving the learners. Both units are operating under the directive to leave “no stone unturned” in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Impact on the Community
The murder of Chieftainess Nogcinile Mtirara has sent shockwaves through Mqhekezweni, a rural village that cherishes its traditional leadership and cultural practices. Chieftainess Mtirara was more than a leader; she was seen as a unifying figure who worked to preserve the cultural heritage of the region. Her sudden death has left a void that residents fear may never be filled.
Adding to the sorrow is the trauma faced by the six young learners, who were not only robbed of their possessions but also their sense of safety and security. Grade 12 learners, the final-year students of Jongintaba High School, had been preparing for their year-end examinations. This violent ordeal has cast a shadow over their futures, and support efforts are being mobilised to help them process the trauma.
Provincial and National Reaction
The incidents have sparked an outpouring of condolences and calls for action from provincial leaders and national figures. Political and community leaders across the Eastern Cape have condemned the violence, calling for the immediate apprehension of the suspects.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane expressed his condolences to the family of Chieftainess Mtirara and the affected learners. “We cannot tolerate such heinous acts in our communities. It is an affront to our dignity as a society,” Mabuyane said. He also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.
The National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL) has similarly decried the incident, describing it as an attack on the cultural and societal fabric of the community. The NHTL has called for heightened security in rural areas, especially those with significant cultural landmarks, to prevent further incidents.
SAPS Appeals to the Public
Police have intensified their appeal to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. Lieutenant Colonel Mawisa stressed that all information provided to SAPS would be handled with strict confidentiality. “Anyone with information that can assist in tracing these suspects is urged to contact our SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or alternatively report to the nearby Police Station,” she stated.
The police have also increased patrols in the area, with a particular focus on securing educational institutions, as learners and their families grapple with the trauma of this attack. The Provincial Commissioner has assured residents that SAPS will remain vigilant and committed to restoring a sense of safety within the Mqhekezweni community.
Calls for Increased Support Services
The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development, along with non-profit organisations focused on victim support, has mobilised resources to provide counselling and psychological support to the affected learners and the Mtirara family. The trauma experienced by the learners has highlighted the need for sustained psychological services in rural communities, which often lack immediate access to mental health support.
Furthermore, the Eastern Cape Department of Education has expressed its commitment to supporting Jongintaba High School in handling the aftermath of the incident. Education officials are coordinating with social workers and psychologists to provide a safe and supportive environment for learners and teachers during this difficult time.
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