An East London police vehicle that was patrolling in the Quigney area early on Thursday morning last week were alerted by a motorist who told them what he had seen.
On their arrival at the corner of Fleet Street and Fitzpatrick Road, a suitcase with the body of a 23-year-old female was found. Next to it was a black bag with other body parts.
This was revealed to be the body of Nosicelo Mtebeni, a University of Fort Hare student.
While at the scene, police received information that a 25-year-old suspect believed to be linked to the murder was found and immediately arrested
The alleged suspect, who has been identified as Mtebeni’s boyfriend, is expected to appear in East London Magistrate court on Monday, 23 August 2021.
University of Fort Hare students gathered in solidarity alongside gender-based violence activists at the scene where Mtebeni’s body was found. The students demanded justice against the killer of their fellow student.
Students marched today with University staff standing in solidarity with students in their call for no bail. They also picketed outside the court where the suspect was appearing.
Fellow Fort Hare student, Ruth Williams, expressed her shock and disbelief at the news that Mtebeni was no more.
To be honest we are just numb, we don’t know how to feel because we keep thinking how she felt at the time.
The University put out a statement which read:
As we celebrate Women's Month, it is detestable that femicide and gender-based violence continue. Council strongly condemns all acts of violence against women and assures students and staff that we will work with all stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the university's gender equality policies, to increase campus security and to make sure that justice is carried out.
Women’s rights activist, Dr Lesley Ann Foster, also visited the scene and said the inhumane killing of Mtebeni is an attack to Women’s Month.
Dr Foster also referred to the past incidents of women killed gruesomely during Women’s Month such as Uyinene Mrwetyana who was killed at a Cape Town Post Office.
The police spokesperson at the scene, Thembinkosi Kinana, said the investigators are confident that they have concrete evidence against the suspect.
The University of Hare is reported to have given psychosocial support to the students and a memorial will be held on Wednesday for Mtebeni.
