Ndabeni-Abrahams to probe employment of Uyinene Mrwetyana murder suspect
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has launched a probe to determine the employment of the suspected killer of Uyinene Mrwetyana.
The suspect apparently remained employed by the South African Post Office despite a previous conviction.
On Monday, a 42-year-old male suspect appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates Court, where it emerged that he had previously been convicted on a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
"It has come to my attention that the SAPO employee who allegedly assaulted and murdered Ms Mrwetyana had previous criminal convictions. As the shareholder representative of SAPO, I am deeply disturbed by the fact Ms Mrwetyana has met her untimely and gruesome death at the hands of one of our own," says Ndabeni-Abrahams.
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in the Western Cape Eric Ntabazalila confirmed the conviction, but could not provide any more details.
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The 42-year-old male suspect has been charged with the 19-year-old's rape, murder and for defeating the ends of justice. Mrwetyana was last seen alive two weeks ago at a post office in Claremont where the suspect - accused of allegedly raping and bludgeoning his victim - works.
During the court proceedings, the suspect confessed to rape and murder.
He detailed a chilling account of how he lured Mrwetyana into Claremont Post Office where he accosted her, sexually assaulted her and bludgeoned her to death.
The minister condemned the act, calling for the law to take its course.
"While we absolutely respect legal proceedings, I personally would like the alleged murderer of Ms Mrwetyana to receive the harshest sentence possible."