Dukuduku, Mtubatuba – KwaZulu-Natal | July 2025
A wave of grief and outrage has swept through the Dukuduku community near Mtubatuba in KwaZulu-Natal following the murder and mutilation of Thandaza Dlamini, a matric pupil at Vezobala Secondary School.
The 18-year-old learner was found brutally murdered at her home, with body parts missing, sparking fears of a ritual killing. The disturbing nature of the crime has left residents devastated, fearful, and demanding swift justice.
Suspect: Traditional Healer from Eswatini Arrested
According to local sources, a traditional healer (inyanga) originally from Eswatini, but residing in the area, has been arrested in connection with the murder. She was reportedly caught trying to flee the community with her belongings packed, raising suspicions among friends and neighbors.
SAPS has confirmed the arrest and says investigations are ongoing. While the exact motive remains unclear, the mutilation of the body has led many to suspect the crime may be linked to traditional or ritual practices.
A Family in Deep Mourning
Thandaza’s family is shattered by her loss. Those close to her say the pain is too heavy to describe — one moment they were preparing to support her through her final exams, and the next they were identifying her lifeless, mutilated body. The home that once echoed with her laughter and energy now feels cold and broken.
“This kind of pain changes you,” said a grieving relative. “We are living a nightmare we can’t wake up from.”
Community in Mourning and Demanding Justice
“We are hurt and angry. This was a young girl full of potential. No one deserves to die like this,” said a grieving community member.
Thandaza was described by teachers and classmates as a bright, kind-hearted young woman who dreamed of a better future. Her death has not only robbed her family of a daughter but has also shaken the confidence of young girls and parents in the community.
What Would Drive Someone to Do This?
What could have motivated such a brutal and inhumane act?
Was this a personal attack, or is it part of something far more sinister — perhaps linked to ritual practices that continue to claim innocent lives in silence?
Should traditional practices be more closely monitored when they pose risks to human life?
We want to hear from you. Do you believe enough is being done to prevent these crimes in your community?
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Could This Tragedy Have Been Prevented?
Was there a sign that Thandaza was in danger?
Could someone close to her have helped earlier?
Are we as communities doing enough to protect young girls and vulnerable individuals?
Share your thoughts below. What more can be done to keep our children safe in schools and homes?
Do You Feel Safe in Your Community?
With crimes like these happening in our towns and villages, it’s natural to feel fear and anger.
How do we begin to restore trust and safety in our communities?
Should there be stronger regulations around who is allowed to practice as a traditional healer?
What do you think the government and police should be doing differently? Comment below.
How Do We Ensure Justice Is Served?
Many are asking: Will this case get the urgent attention it deserves?
Will Thandaza’s killer face the full weight of the law, or will this become another forgotten case?
Do you believe justice will be served? Why or why not? Join the conversation.
📲 #JusticeForThandaza Gains Momentum
Tributes have poured in across social media platforms, with the hashtag #JusticeForThandaza gaining traction as South Africans call for accountability, awareness, and protection of vulnerable girls.
🕊️ Rest in Peace, Thandaza
💐 May your death not be in vain, and may justice be served swiftly.
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