The family of Ntombifuthi Nxumalo have expressed their hurt and disappointment after murder accused Matome Victor Rampedi made a brief appearance in the Thembisa magistrate’s court on Tuesday. Rampedi, 36, is accused of murdering Nxumalo, whose body was found at Mooifontein Cemetery in the Vusimuzi section of Thembisa on September 26. The state alleges that Nxumalo was fatally assaulted, with her body found naked and bearing serious head injuries.
According to preliminary investigations, Nxumalo had been drinking at a local tavern with a female acquaintance before leaving with Rampedi. Residents living near the cemetery allegedly heard a woman screaming and pleading for her life. Police found stones around Nxumalo's body and are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Rampedi was later traced to an address in Thembisa but had fled to Limpopo, where he was eventually arrested in Mohlabaneng Village with the assistance of Limpopo police.
Nxumalo's family, who travelled from KwaZulu-Natal to attend the court proceedings, expressed frustration at the brief appearance. Thobekile Zulu, Nxumalo's younger sister, said they had expected to hear more from the accused and about the case. The family wanted to hear what Rampedi had to say and sought answers about Nxumalo's death. However, Rampedi's lawyer prevented him from speaking during the brief appearance.
The family is opposed to Rampedi being granted bail, with Zulu stating that they do not want him to be released. The family feels they have been let down and wants justice for Nxumalo and her children. Vincent Nxumalo, Ntombifuthi's uncle, also called for Rampedi to remain behind bars, saying that bail should not be granted to him.
Rampedi's matter was postponed to October 19 for consultation with his attorney and to arrange a date for the formal bail application. The brief court appearance left Nxumalo's family feeling frustrated, with Zulu saying they had travelled from KwaZulu-Natal expecting a more substantial hearing.
The family expressed their disappointment at the lack of information provided during the court appearance. Zulu stated that Rampedi had wanted to say something but was prevented by his lawyer. The family wants to know why Rampedi allegedly killed Nxumalo and seeks justice for her and her children.
The case has sparked outrage, with the family and community demanding justice for Nxumalo. The postponement of the case to October 19 has given the family and the prosecution more time to prepare for the formal bail application and the trial. Three key points from the case are:
Key points
- The family of Ntombifuthi Nxumalo is seeking justice for her murder and wants Matome Victor Rampedi to be denied bail.
- Rampedi's brief court appearance left the family feeling frustrated and disappointed.
- The case has been postponed to October 19 for consultation with Rampedi's attorney and to arrange a date for the formal bail application.
