Kwa-Thema – Cleo Bandawe’s (38) lifeless physique was found within the veld on Vlakfontein Highway subsequent to Barcelona in Kwa-Thema on April 1.
In response to her sister, Nomthandazo Sibeko, Bandawe left dwelling on the afternoon of March 31 to attend a stokvel (a social gathering).
“She went to the stokvel as a result of movies show she was there. From the stokvel, they moved to a tavern in Ext 6.
“My sister usually doesn’t return dwelling on stokvel days, so we weren’t fearful that she didn’t return that night time,” defined Sibeko.
Cleo Bandawe.
Sibeko mentioned a neighbour got here to inform them of an incident in Ext 2, claiming somebody recognised Bandawe’s lifeless physique within the veld.
“The neighbour got here to tell us based mostly on what she had been advised. We wished to name her buddy she left with the day earlier than, however I made a decision to move by the scene earlier than going to work as a result of I had no airtime.
“As a result of I used to be at work when my sister left the home the day before today, we requested her little one to explain what her mom wore the day earlier than.
“The outline matched the one given by the neighbour, which was a pink prime, black jean shorts and white footwear,” she defined.
Jabu Thelma defines GBV as a horrible pandemic.
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She mentioned the household was unaware on the time that her sister’s photographs had already circulated on social media.
“I acquired to the scene round 08:00, and many individuals surrounded the area. I didn’t assume I’d discover my sister there as a result of she hardly goes to that space.
“Once I acquired out of the automobile, I recognised her legs. I immediately knew it was her, so I requested the paramedics if I may view her physique, which they agreed to. And, certainly, it was her.
“Upon viewing her physique, I seen her swollen mouth. It appeared she had been overwhelmed as a result of her neck had a burn mark and her abdomen was swollen,” mentioned Sibeko.
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She added that none of her sister’s belongings have been stolen, saying they discovered cash in her pocket, her telephone, lipstick, cigarettes and a lighter.
“She nonetheless wore her wristwatch and earrings, so it didn’t appear she was robbed. In response to her pals, my sister disappeared from the place they have been at round 21:00. The paramedics confirmed they acquired to the scene at 03:00 on Tuesday,” she mentioned.
Sibeko described her sister as outgoing, vibrant, joyful, talkative and humorous. She mentioned dropping her sister had introduced a lot disappointment to her youngsters and household.
“Every little thing nonetheless feels surreal. I can already think about her asking why everybody was unhappy and why a tent was exterior. We’ll miss her jokes, ever-smiling face, tender love and care. She didn’t need to die like this.
Kwa-Thema group member need justice for Cleo Bandawe
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“My coronary heart bleeds for her youngsters who noticed photos of their mom’s lifeless physique on social media,” she mentioned.
The household mentioned they need justice for Bandawe and an correct story about what transpired that night.
“We deserve closure as a household. We urge these with data to return ahead and help the household. We’re all damage,” she added.
The group held a candle-lighting ceremony for Bandawe on April 7 with help from the ward councillor, Christian leaders and different organisations. Every individual remembered Bandawe for her kindness and cheerful spirit.
“When you can kill, it means you will have an issue. GBV is a pandemic, not simply one thing that occurs in films. It’s a severe subject locally.
“The speed at which the problem is rising proves that individuals not worry having blood on their fingers. As males, if we want assist, we should search assist in the proper locations and cease proving our manhood in merciless methods.
“Males have been constructed to defend and to guard. We have to elevate our kids in a secure and heat group, however for now, none of us are secure,” mentioned Jabu Thela, a neighbour.
Ward 79 Clr Njabulo Mbonani mentioned they’d united as a group and provided their condolences to the household.
“16 Days of Activism ought to be noticed all year long. As a group, we have to work collaboratively in the direction of preventing crime. I goal to encourage neighbourhood watches in my ward and reinstate CPF members to patrol day in and time out.
Ward 79 councillor Njabulo Mbonani mentioned he desires to reinstate CPF individuals inside his ward. He additional talked about that he goals to encourage unity locally to be able to promote neighbourhood watch.
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“Once we had CPF members on this ward, crime was not energetic, and criminals feared moving into bother,” mentioned Mbonani.
He mentioned he was damage to have witnessed the lack of Bandawe, saying she was an activist who fought for many individuals.
“I consider Bandawe additionally performed a job in making me a ward councillor. She supported me in each stage of my place and ensured I used to be well-represented all over the place. She didn’t need to die like this. Nobody does,” he mentioned.
The ceremony acquired help from One Sturdy Voice and celebrated Bandawe’s life. Kwa-Thema police spokesperson Constable Nkululeko Magudulela confirmed that an inquest case is open for investigation, and the autopsy outcomes are awaited.
Every particular person is emotional.
Every plaque card has a message.
Group members honour Cleo Bandawe’s life with a candle-lighting ceremony.
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