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Eastern Cape police have arrested a 34-year-old man who will be charged with the murder of his 19-year-old ex-girlfriend, whose body was found in an open space in Joza township in Makhanda on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said Kungawo Nyhweba was reported missing on Monday after she was last seen at her home last Friday.
Lt. Col Mawisa said upon investigation, police established that four suspects were allegedly involved in Kungawo’s kidnapping and murder.
Two suspects were arrested shortly after her body was found.
Her ex-boyfriend was arrested on Thursday night.
Lt Col Mawisa said police have opened an inquest after the body of the fourth suspect was also found in Indwe on Thursday night.
“The suspect will join the other two suspects who were already arrested, and all will be charged for kidnapping and murder.
“The trio is due to appear at Alice Magistrate Court on Monday.”
She said the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, applauded the police members for the swift response in ensuring the arrest and the recovery of Kungawo's body.
“She is sending a strong message to all members of community that police denounce gender based violence (GBV), and will not tolerate such barbaric acts.
“We shall work tirelessly to intervene in fighting GBV in our societies and guarantee that we shall follow any leads and bring perpetrators thereof to justice," she added.
