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Kwa-Thema – Cleo Bandawe’s (38) lifeless body was discovered in the veld on Vlakfontein Road next to Barcelona in Kwa-Thema on April 1.
According to her sister, Nomthandazo Sibeko, Bandawe left home on the afternoon of March 31 to attend a stokvel (a social gathering).
“She went to the stokvel because videos prove she was there. From the stokvel, they moved to a tavern in Ext 6.
“My sister normally does not return home on stokvel days, so we were not worried that she did not return that night,” explained Sibeko.
Sibeko said a neighbour came to tell them of an incident in Ext 2, claiming someone recognised Bandawe’s lifeless body in the veld.
“The neighbour came to inform us based on what she had been told. We wanted to call her friend she left with the day before, but I decided to pass by the scene before going to work because I had no airtime.
“Because I was at work when my sister left the house the previous day, we asked her child to describe what her mother wore the day before.
“The description matched the one given by the neighbour, which was a red top, black jean shorts and white shoes,” she explained.
@african_reporter Jabu Thelma defines GBV as a terrible pandemic.
She said the family was unaware at the time that her sister’s photos had already circulated on social media.
“I got to the scene around 08:00, and many people surrounded the space. I did not think I would find my sister there because she hardly goes to that area.
“When I got out of the car, I recognised her legs. I instantly knew it was her, so I asked the paramedics if I could view her body, which they agreed to. And, indeed, it was her.
“Upon viewing her body, I noticed her swollen mouth. It seemed she had been beaten because her neck had a burn mark and her stomach was swollen,” said Sibeko.
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She added that none of her sister’s belongings were stolen, saying they found money in her pocket, her phone, lipstick, cigarettes and a lighter.
“She still wore her wristwatch and earrings, so it did not seem she was robbed. According to her friends, my sister disappeared from where they were at around 21:00. The paramedics confirmed they got to the scene at 03:00 on Tuesday,” she said.
Sibeko described her sister as outgoing, vibrant, joyful, talkative and funny. She said losing her sister had brought much sadness to her children and family.
“Everything still feels surreal. I can already imagine her asking why everyone was sad and why a tent was outside. We will miss her jokes, ever-smiling face, tender love and care. She did not deserve to die like this.
@african_reporter Kwa-Thema community member want justice for Cleo Bandawe
“My heart bleeds for her children who saw pictures of their mother’s lifeless body on social media,” she said.
The family said they want justice for Bandawe and an accurate story about what transpired that evening.
“We deserve closure as a family. We urge those with information to come forward and assist the family. We are all hurt,” she added.
The community held a candle-lighting ceremony for Bandawe on April 7 with support from the ward councillor, Christian leaders and other organisations. Each person remembered Bandawe for her kindness and cheerful spirit.
“If you can kill, it means you have a problem. GBV is a pandemic, not just something that happens in movies. It is a serious issue in the community.
“The rate at which the issue is rising proves that people no longer fear having blood on their hands. As men, if we need help, we must seek help in the right places and stop proving our manhood in cruel ways.
“Men were built to defend and to protect. We need to raise our children in a safe and warm community, but for now, none of us are safe,” said Jabu Thela, a neighbour.
Ward 79 Clr Njabulo Mbonani said they had united as a community and offered their condolences to the family.
“16 Days of Activism should be observed throughout the year. As a community, we need to work collaboratively towards fighting crime. I aim to encourage neighbourhood watches in my ward and reinstate CPF members to patrol day in and day out.
@african_reporter Ward 79 councillor Njabulo Mbonani said he wants to reinstate CPF persons within his ward. He further mentioned that he aims to encourage unity in the community in order to promote neighbourhood watch.
“When we had CPF members in this ward, crime was not active, and criminals feared getting into trouble,” said Mbonani.
He said he was hurt to have witnessed the loss of Bandawe, saying she was an activist who fought for many people.
“I believe Bandawe also played a role in making me a ward councillor. She supported me in every stage of my position and ensured I was well-represented everywhere. She did not deserve to die like this. No one does,” he said.
The ceremony received support from One Strong Voice and celebrated Bandawe’s life. Kwa-Thema police spokesperson Constable Nkululeko Magudulela confirmed that an inquest case is open for investigation, and the post-mortem results are awaited.
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