A young mentally disturbed woman found wandering the dangerous streets of Jackson, Eikenhof has tragically been raped and murdered. Her name? Simone Aweries.
On May 15, 2024, community members spotted Simone talking to herself at a tuckshop in Jackson. She appeared disoriented, confused, and unable to recall where she came from — only muttering one word over and over: “Eldos.”
“I took her in, helped her bathe, did her hair, tried to make her feel safe,” said Lindo Nkosi, the brave community member who found her. “She heard us mention the police and ran off. I chased her, but couldn’t find her again. I tried… I really did.”
Read | From Wanted Poster to Public Support: Fezile Ngubane’s Story Sparks Call for Healing, Not Hate
Viral Posts, No Response — A Cry for Help Ignored?
Simone’s story was shared across platforms like Missing Person South Africa, Eldorado Park groups, and local WhatsApp networks. Despite these efforts, no family came forward for days. While the community rallied to identify her, her mental state and the danger of her surroundings made the situation critical.
But in an area like Jackson, often described as “lawless” by locals, mentally ill and homeless individuals are seen as background noise, not lives worth saving.
“Jackson is a messed-up place. Everyone minds their business here. But I couldn’t ignore her,” added Nkosi.
On Sunday, May 26, the unthinkable happened. Simone’s lifeless body was found dumped in the bushes near Jackson. She had been sexually assaulted and murdered over the weekend. Her story had become one of South Africa’s worst nightmares — a vulnerable woman left to die in silence.
The news broke hearts across social media, sparking outrage and renewed demands for action against gender-based violence.
Days later, Simone’s family finally identified her body at the mortuary. Grief-stricken and emotional, they confirmed the tragic loss and thanked the public for the prayers and efforts to locate her.
“It’s very raw right now,” a family member said. “We’re trying to process everything.”
Law enforcement is currently conducting an autopsy, and the family is expected to collect her body on Thursday, May 30, to begin funeral arrangements.
Read 30-Year-Old Dureen Mondge Missing: Heartbreaking Case in Macassar
Who’s to Blame? The Real Question No One Wants to Answer
While fingers are being pointed at the Missing Person South Africa page for “not doing enough,” the truth is much deeper — and more painful. Simone’s fall through the cracks is a reflection of a broken system, not a failed social media post.
“Are we now expecting platforms to collect mentally ill people from the streets? Where is the government? Social workers? Mental health services?” asked one commenter online.
Justice for Simone — More Than Just a Hashtag
As Simone’s name now trends under #JusticeForSimone, South Africa is once again confronted with the ugly truth: we are failing our most vulnerable. This isn’t just about Simone. This is about every woman, child, and mentally ill person left to survive in places where danger lurks around every corner.
Simone Aweries was only 21. She deserved help. She deserved safety. She deserved to live.
Let Simone’s story break the silence. Let it move us beyond outrage to action. If one girl crying out for help couldn’t get the support she needed — what does that say about us?
📢 What can you do?
📍 Speak up.
📍 Share her story.
📍 Support mental health and safety services.
📍 Demand better from leaders and police.
📍 And most of all — don’t ignore the lost ones next time.
🕯️ Rest in power, Simone Aweries. You were seen. You were loved. You will not be forgotten.
Most read | 1st Date, Final Breath: How Olorato Mongale’s First Date Turned Into Her Last Moments | HORROR IN LAEZONIA: 29 Trafficking Victims Rescued in Shocking Morning Operation! | Panic in Bethlehem: 20-Year-Old Lindie Scheepers Missing After Power Outage
Leave a Reply