Sinoxolo Mafevuka was last seen on March 1, 2016, at around 7 pm heading to the communal toilets 200 metres from her home in Khayelitsha. She and her sister-in-law Iminathi Mafevuka were busy cooking supper and the teen left her cellphone behind thinking that she would be back shortly. When she didn't return, the family was not too alarmed as it was not unusual for Mafevuka to sometimes spend the night at her boyfriend's house.
A few hours later, the family's peaceful existence was shattered forever. Hearing a commotion at the communal toilets, Iminathi realised that something was horribly wrong. She rushed to the scene and was
The 19-year-old's half-naked body was found spread-eagled in one of the toilet cubicles a few hours later. She had been raped and her clothes were stuffed in a cistern. Her face was jammed under the toilet seat.
Sinoxolo's boyfriend became a person of interest early in the investigation. It was alleged that he was jealous and that the teenager had allegedly cheated on him shortly before her death.
Two of Sinoxolo's boyfriend's cousins were tried for her murder but were subsequently acquitted. During the trial, the family of the two men, aged 28 and 22, had allegedly threatened to assault people who gave information to the police about the matter. One witness was hospitalised after being stabbed. To date, there has been no justice for Sinoxolo.
Sinoxolo never got to celebrate her 21st birthday. She never experienced the joy of motherhood. She will never celebrate another Women's Month or Christmas. Sinoxolo never had a chance to realise her dreams.
For Sinoxolo's sake and the sake of women everywhere, if you know somebody who has committed an act of violence against a woman Don't Look Away
.
If you know a young woman's life is in danger, Don't Look Away
.
If you are able to help prevent another tragedy, Don't Look Away
.
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