Mrwetyana family lashes out at ‘cashing in' of Uyinene's name
The family of slain University of Cape Town student Uyinene Mrwetyana has lashed out at various initiatives attempting to cash in on the loss of their daughter.
The man accused of Mrwetyana's rape and murder is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on November 5.
In a statement on Monday, the family said expressed concern over the misuse of Uyinene's name and the family's grief to raise funds and garner attention.
Family spokesperson Thembelani Mrwetyana said though some of the initiatives may be well-intentioned, the family does not support any of the fundraising campaigns bearing the name of Uyinene.
"To use Uyinene's name and also to disregard her grieving family so as to emotionally appeal to the public is unethical, misleading, insensitive and dishonest, regardless of whether the purpose is nefarious or well-intentioned.
"As announced at the funeral, the family is in the process of initiating a foundation in Uyinene's name. The family is aware of and appreciates funds that have been initiated by the University of Cape Town, Kingswood College and Rhodes University.”
Mrwetyana says they are also aware of the yellow ribbon that the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle tied at Clareinch Post Office during her recent trip to South Africa, which went missing.
"It is quite unfortunate what we have become as a society."
The 19-year-old student's body was found in Khayelitsha a week after she went missing.
The 42-year-old man accused of Mrwetyana's rape and murder is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on November 5.