Unlike many families in Pietermaritzburg whose loved ones are back home for the long weekend from other cities, the family of murdered 25-year-old Ntwetle Sanelisiwe Sibiya – affectionately known as “Sane” – can only lament their loss.
Today is Human Rights Day – it is a holiday to commemorate the right to life in South Africa, along with the many other rights enshrined in the constitution.
But for those like Sane’s family, the written word in the constitution has failed them.
It has been more than a month since Sane was found dead in the Riversands apartment she shared with her boyfriend Ziphozethu Shange.
Security officers at the complex gate said they had to figure out which tenant called the ambulance after Shange had inexplicably twice given the wrong number to his apartment.
However, previous incidents of violence led security officers to Shange’s apartment.
While Sane’s battered and bruised body was found lying on the floor near a couch, Shange was allegedly on his PlayStation playing a game.
Shange, originally from Pietermaritzburg, was arrested on that fateful day, Friday 11 February, after Sane’s body was found.
Bloodied bedding stuffed in a bedroom closet was also recovered.
By the time police arrived, Sane’s body had been moved from the lounge and placed in the bathroom.
Photographs show blood was wiped from the floor.
A bucket filled with blood-stained water and a mop were found in the bathroom.
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Shange, who has since abandoned his request for bail, was the only other person found in the apartment.
On Friday, 18 March, Shange – the man accused of taking away Sane’s right to life – briefly appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, Johannesburg, to face a charge of murder.
The matter was postponed to 20 May to allow for further investigations.
All that Sane’s family can do is hope for justice.
“We must allow the processes to be followed … In the end, as a family, we want justice,” said Zinhle Tenza, Sane’s sister.
