LOOK: EC woman’s death sparks outrage on Twitter, SAPS investigating

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape is now prioritising an investigation into the suspected murder of Namhla Mtwa. SAPS spokesperson Tembinkosi Kinana says Mtwa was found dead inside her car in Mthatha back in April.

“The 35-year-old deceased Namhla Mtwa, was allegedly shot and murdered inside her car by an unknown suspect while she was arriving in her Sidwadwa based home in Mthatha. She sustained gunshot wounds in her upper body and was declared dead at the scene,” Kinana said.

Eastern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mene appointed a senior manager to oversee Mtwa’s murder case. SAPS says there has since been regular engagement between the detective in charge of the matter and her family.

“Members of the family and the public are therefore assured that Namhla’s case is in the hands of capable and professionally trained detectives. With the support and response demonstrated by the community and various formations in every corner of our province and outside its borders, we are optimistic that a breakthrough in this particular case will be made.  An appeal is also made that whoever possesses critical information that will add value to the work of the investigating team and further lead to the arrest of the suspect, should please share it with the lead investigator”

Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mene

NAMHLA MTWA’S MURDER SPARKS OUTRAGE

There has been a wave of reaction to the suspected killing of Namhla Mtwa on social media. Some claim Mtwa was a victim of gender-based violence, at the hands of her boyfriend.

Photos have also been circulated on Twitter, showing a visibly bruised Mtwa. Those with intimate knowledge of the situaion claim she had decided to end the relationship and suspect that her boyfriend might have taken his abuse, a bit too far, as a result. Seemingly referencing this, SAPS said: “The SAPS appreciates the response of some members of the public who out of concern for issues relating to gender-based violence and femicide, approached the police with information. People are encouraged to continue sharing information with the SAPS to safeguard the investigation from potentially inaccurate information that may indirectly and inadvertently mislead the course of the ongoing and sensitive investigations”