Teen's death sparks outrage as suspect walks free

THE DISTRAUGHT family of Grade 12 pupil Alizwa Ndlala, 17, is seeking justice following her death under mysterious circumstances in Richmond.

- SANDI KWON HOO

Bereaved relatives in the small Northern Cape town are aggrieved that the person they believe is responsible for her death was released after being questioned by the police.

There are suspicions that Alizwa may have been poisoned.

Her grandfather, Howitson Mathebe, said that she died under unnatural circumstances on May 31.

“Alizwa was found inside a house where furniture was used to barricade the door from the inside. It appears as if the suspect exited the house through the window when he fled the scene.”

He explained that community members had assisted in searching for Alizwa after her cellphone went unanswered. She had earlier called her mother, asking her to bring her clothes.

“The suspect’s mother requested the police to assist in locating him. He tried to commit suicide by overdosing on pills when the police found him. He was taken to De Aar Hospital and later released,” Mathebe claimed.

He pointed out that the suspect was living alone in the house where his granddaughter’s body was discovered.

“She was found lying on her back, with her feet dangling over the edge of the bed. There cannot be any other suspect, yet he is now a free man. Up until today, no arrests have been made.”