A 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman has been arrested in South Africa on charges of murdering, beheading, and dismembering her ex-boyfriend.
Tatenda Mhlanga, along with her South African accomplice, Johannes Lebese, appeared before the Benoni Magistrates’ Court to face charges of murder and violating a corpse.
According to the Daily Sun, the gruesome discovery happened on November 11, 2023, when crime prevention wardens encountered Mhlanga and Lebese in possession of a suspicious suitcase. The wardens, acting on their instincts, demanded the suitcase to be opened, only to uncover a chilling sight—the severed head and upper body of Mhlanga’s ex-boyfriend, Obert Mazadza, also a Zimbabwean national.
Without hesitation, the wardens promptly alerted the police, who arrived at the scene to find more disturbing evidence. The Community Policing Forum (CPF) stumbled upon additional body parts at a nearby dumping site. While Lebese was apprehended on the spot, Mhlanga managed to evade capture by fleeing during the search of the suitcase. However, she surrendered herself to the authorities the following day.
During the court proceedings, Mhlanga decided against applying for bail, while Lebese’s formal bail application was scheduled for November 24.
Wattville Community Petition for Lebese’s Release
These developments have left the community of Wattville divided, as some residents sympathize with Lebese and believe he was deceived by Mhlanga. In fact, plans are underway to petition for his release.
Residents have come forward with chilling details, alleging that Mhlanga had deceived Lebese by claiming the suitcase contained a cow’s head, when she was fully aware of its truly gruesome contents. Furthermore, witnesses recount hearing Mhlanga washing blankets at 3 a.m. on November 10, presumably to destroy evidence. It was noted that Lebese was not present during this suspicious activity.
Deception and Betrayal: Allegations of Lies and Manipulation Surface in the Case
Cyprin Dlamini, Mhlanga’s landlord, disclosed that she had informed her of having a morning commitment, which explained the early hour of her laundry. According to Dlamini and neighbours, Mhlanga had requested an Uber on the morning of November 10, disembarking near the railway line where she hauled the suitcase to the dumping site, intending to burn the first load of body parts. Mhlanga’s arrest occurred while she was in the process of transporting the second load, seeking assistance from Lebese, who happened to be on his way to work. The second Uber driver had refused her a ride due to the repugnant odour emanating from the suitcase.
As the investigation unfolds and the court proceedings continue, the community remains in a state of disbelief and horror over the gruesome crime committed within their midst. The full extent of Mhlanga’s alleged deception and the circumstances surrounding this heinous act will undoubtedly be revealed as the legal process moves forward.
0 Comments