Soweto boys’ killings: Grandmother, partner remanded in custody

Mthunzi Zulu and Nqobile Ndlovu made their first appearance in the Protea Magistrates Court on Friday where they face several charges including murder, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice. 

After backtracking on their decision to conduct their own defence, Zulu opted for a legal aid lawyer while Ndlovu told the court she will use the services of her private lawyer, who was not in court on the day. 

Magistrate Tshepiso Maepa had earlier explained to the accused that the use of legal counsel would be in their best interest given the seriousness of the charges against them. 

Ndlovu had also objected to media covering proceedings saying she wanted to address the court in private, while Zulu said he believed he was innocent and didn’t want the matter broadcasted. 

Maepa assured Zulu that he’s presumed innocent until proven otherwise, also explaining that this would be dealt with by the trial court, before granting the application.

Ndlovu is said to be the paternal grandmother of one of the victims, Tshiamo Rabanye. 

Rabanye and his friend, Nqobizitha Zulu [not related to the second accused], were reported missing last Wednesday before their mutilated bodies were discovered the next morning.   

It’s alleged the boys were found with missing body parts, sparking allegations the motive behind their deaths could be muthi killings. 

READ: Couple linked to Soweto child killings set to appear in court today

Family members expressed shock following Ndlovu’s arrest, saying she had helped search for the little boys. 

Zulu’s grandfather told reporters that his daughter had suspicions about her son’s killers, but he asked her to allow authorities to investigate. 

“Nomthandazo was suspicious all along, she said she could feel it in her blood that the grandmother knew something.” 

Gauteng police spokesperson, Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrests after the couple were taken to the police station following a forensic investigation at the boys’ homes. 

As court proceedings unfolded, less than five kilometres away, the friends and families of the two victims paid their final respects at a funeral service held. 

Neighbour Portia Modisapudi was in court, along with other angry community members, said they’re still shocked that someone so close to the victims has been charged for the heinous crime. 

Modisapudi alluded to deaths in Ndlovu’s family in recent years, adding that the arrest has raised suspicions among neighbours. 

“It’s so painful. We never thought that we would see the grandmother in the dock. But from the first day other neighbours were suspecting her. There are things we can’t say that we aren’t sure of, we’ll just wait for the law to take its course.” 

She said they don’t feel safe and want the court to deny bail to the couple. 

Meanwhile, when asked to declare any previous run-ins with the law Ndlovu explained that she had been convicted of assault, by the same court, when she was 19 years old. 

The case has been postponed for Ndlovu’s lawyer to be in court for bail application. 

The state has indicated it will oppose bail for the pair, who remain behind bars until their next appearance. 

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