Kwa-Thema – Cleo Bandawe’s (38) lifeless physique was found within the veld on Vlakfontein Street subsequent to Barcelona in Kwa-Thema on April 1.
In line with her sister, Nomthandazo Sibeko, Bandawe left dwelling on the afternoon of March 31 to attend a stokvel (a social gathering).
“She went to the stokvel as a result of movies show she was there. From the stokvel, they moved to a tavern in Ext 6.
“My sister usually doesn’t return dwelling on stokvel days, so we weren’t fearful that she didn’t return that evening,” defined Sibeko.
Sibeko mentioned a neighbour got here to inform them of an incident in Ext 2, claiming somebody recognised Bandawe’s lifeless physique within the veld.
“The neighbour got here to tell us based mostly on what she had been informed. We needed to name her good friend she left with the day earlier than, however I made a decision to go by the scene earlier than going to work as a result of I had no airtime.
“As a result of I used to be at work when my sister left the home the day prior to this, we requested her youngster to explain what her mom wore the day earlier than.
“The outline matched the one given by the neighbour, which was a pink high, black jean shorts and white sneakers,” she defined.
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She mentioned the household was unaware on the time that her sister’s images had already circulated on social media.
“I acquired to the scene round 08:00, and many individuals surrounded the house. I didn’t suppose I’d discover my sister there as a result of she hardly goes to that space.
“After I acquired out of the automotive, I recognised her legs. I immediately knew it was her, so I requested the paramedics if I may view her physique, which they agreed to. And, certainly, it was her.
“Upon viewing her physique, I observed her swollen mouth. It appeared she had been overwhelmed as a result of her neck had a burn mark and her abdomen was swollen,” mentioned Sibeko.
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She added that none of her sister’s belongings had been stolen, saying they discovered cash in her pocket, her telephone, lipstick, cigarettes and a lighter.
“She nonetheless wore her wristwatch and earrings, so it didn’t appear she was robbed. In line with her mates, my sister disappeared from the place they had been at round 21:00. The paramedics confirmed they acquired to the scene at 03:00 on Tuesday,” she mentioned.
Sibeko described her sister as outgoing, vibrant, joyful, talkative and humorous. She mentioned shedding her sister had introduced a lot unhappiness to her youngsters and household.
“All the things nonetheless feels surreal. I can already think about her asking why everybody was unhappy and why a tent was exterior. We’ll miss her jokes, ever-smiling face, tender love and care. She didn’t should die like this.
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Kwa-Thema group member need justice for Cleo Bandawe
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“My coronary heart bleeds for her youngsters who noticed footage of their mom’s lifeless physique on social media,” she mentioned.
The household mentioned they need justice for Bandawe and an correct story about what transpired that night.
“We deserve closure as a household. We urge these with info to return ahead and help the household. We’re all harm,” she added.
The group held a candle-lighting ceremony for Bandawe on April 7 with assist from the ward councillor, Christian leaders and different organisations. Every individual remembered Bandawe for her kindness and cheerful spirit.
“In case you can kill, it means you will have an issue. GBV is a pandemic, not simply one thing that occurs in motion pictures. It’s a critical difficulty locally.
“The speed at which the difficulty is rising proves that individuals now not worry having blood on their arms. As males, if we want assist, we should search assist in the precise locations and cease proving our manhood in merciless methods.
“Males had been constructed to defend and to guard. We have to elevate our youngsters in a protected and heat group, however for now, none of us are protected,” mentioned Jabu Thela, a neighbour.
Ward 79 Clr Njabulo Mbonani mentioned they’d united as a group and provided their condolences to the household.
“16 Days of Activism needs to be noticed all year long. As a group, we have to work collaboratively in the direction of combating crime. I goal to encourage neighbourhood watches in my ward and reinstate CPF members to patrol day in and day trip.
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Ward 79 councillor Njabulo Mbonani mentioned he needs to reinstate CPF individuals inside his ward. He additional talked about that he goals to encourage unity locally with a purpose to promote neighbourhood watch.
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“Once we had CPF members on this ward, crime was not lively, and criminals feared entering into bother,” mentioned Mbonani.
He mentioned he was harm to have witnessed the lack of Bandawe, saying she was an activist who fought for many individuals.
“I imagine Bandawe additionally performed a job in making me a ward councillor. She supported me in each stage of my place and ensured I used to be well-represented in every single place. She didn’t should die like this. Nobody does,” he mentioned.
The ceremony obtained assist from One Robust Voice and celebrated Bandawe’s life. Kwa-Thema police spokesperson Constable Nkululeko Magudulela confirmed that an inquest case is open for investigation, and the autopsy outcomes are awaited.
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