An Eastern Cape teacher has been arrested in connection with the death of Kungawo Nyweba, a pupil with whom he was allegedly having an affair.
Kungawo Nyweba’s body was discovered at a dump site in Makhanda, Eastern Cape. The 19-year-old was reported missing from her home on July 5. She was allegedly abducted by her former boyfriend, who is a teacher, along with his friend, a primary school caretaker from Alice. The abduction reportedly involved their respective partners.
Women for Change, an NGO advocating against gender-based violence, reported that four suspects, including two women aged 19 and 45, were involved in Kungawo’s murder. The suspects allegedly tortured, killed, and burned Kungawo’s body using old tires before abandoning it at the dump site.
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Eastern Cape education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima confirmed the arrest of the suspects. The fourth suspect, the school caretaker, allegedly committed suicide. The education department has provided counseling and debriefing for the students at Kungawo’s school. The School Governing Body (SGB) is responsible for the caretaker and is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
The arrested teacher is the primary suspect, and the education department is ensuring that he faces appropriate punishment. The suspects recently appeared before the Alice magistrate’s court and were denied bail. The case has been postponed to July 22, 2024, for further bail applications.
Lungelwa Nyweba, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed their ongoing struggle with burial preparations and their desire for the suspects to remain in custody. “This is very bad and devastating, especially to Kungawo’s mother,” she said.
The case continues to unfold as the community and authorities seek justice for Kungawo Nyweba.
