Second Suspect Arrested in Durban Deep Murder of 14‑Year‑Old Likhona Fose
By Mpho Moloi
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In a breakthrough in the tragic case of 14‑year‑old Likhona Fose from Roodepoort, another suspect has been taken into custody. Police have confirmed that the man, a spaza shop owner of Pakistani origin based in Durban Deep, is now facing arrest after reportedly instructing a previously arrested individual to carry out the horrific murder. This development comes as 39‑year‑old Mduduzi Mnisi, already charged with premeditated murder, appeared in court on Wednesday. The community’s outrage, local unrest, and proactive steps by Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) outline a deeply wounded but increasingly determined suburb striving for justice.
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📍 Who Was Likhona Fose?
Likhona Fose was a 14‑year‑old Grade 8 pupil at Ikusasalethu Secondary School, located in Braamfischerville, Soweto. On Saturday, 31 May 2025, she was reported missing. Tragically, the next day her mutilated body was discovered in an open veld near her home in Durban Deep, a Roodepoort community. Her body had been dismembered, with her genitals, parts of her knees, and a section of her nose removed—leading police to involve a specialised occult‑crime investigation unit .
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The Investigation So Far
• Mduduzi Mnisi was arrested on Monday after police interrogations linked him to the murder. He has previous convictions from 2007 for attempted murder and armed robbery .
• He appeared in Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on 11 June 2025, formally charged with premeditated murder, a Schedule 6 offence. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed it will oppose bail .
• Mnisi’s legal representative, Asanda Qwabe, noted he currently has no pending cases and claimed inadequate accommodation at Krugersdorp Correctional Centre .
• The case has been postponed to 18 June 2025 for a formal bail application .
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Fresh Suspect: The Spaza Shop Owner
On 12 June 2025, authorities arrested a Pakistani‑origin spaza shop owner in Durban Deep. According to the City of Johannesburg’s Public Safety office:
• The suspect is believed to have instructed another individual to perform the murder .
• Following the arrest, further unrest broke out in the community, including looting of his shop .
• JMPD has since deployed officers to restore order and prevent further violence .
This arrest suggests a wider conspiracy, prompting questions about whether more suspects are involved. Officials remain vague about the total number of potential suspects .
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Community Outrage & Tensions
The Durban Deep community has been rocked by fear and anger since Likhona’s disappearance and the gruesome nature of her murder:
• Mourners gathered at a memorial on 5 June 2025, with emotional scenes reflecting widespread grief .
• Demonstrations erupted outside Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday as residents demanded swift justice for Likhona .
• Concern grew over possible ritualistic (muthi) elements in the murder due to the mutilation, though authorities have not confirmed motives .
• Looting in Durban Deep followed the second arrest, leading to a clampdown by JMPD .
Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku has appealed for calm while urging residents to cooperate with police .
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Legal Proceedings Underway
Mduduzi Mnisi
• First appearance was on 11 June 2025; case postponed to 18 June for bail hearing .
• Previous convictions from 2007 were disclosed in court .
• The NPA confirmed no evidence he was out on parole; it will gather records during the remand period .
• Family members, including brother Sibusiso Mnisi, maintain his innocence and emphasise his unemployment and desire for work .
Spaza Shop Owner (Second Suspect)
• Arrested 12 June 2025, linked as instigator .
• No further details yet on charges, court dates, or legal status.
• Investigation suggests multiple suspects may be involved; police remain tight-lipped .
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The Status Quo & Next Steps
• Formal bail application for Mnisi is set for 18 June 2025.
• Authorities continue to investigate other suspects, including the spaza shop owner, to uncover the full extent of involvement.
• Forensic teams, including the SAPS occult unit, have been brought into the case to explore potential ritualistic motives .
• Despite mounting tensions, JMPD maintains high presence in Durban Deep to ensure public safety .
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