The family of slain student Uyinene Mrwetyana has issued a statement appealing to the public not to initiate or contribute to unauthorised projects misusing Uyinene's name and the family's grief to raise funds, make money, garner attention, or in any way 'cash in' on her tragedy.
A family spokesperson Thembelani Mrwetyana says they know of some instances where Uyinene's name is being used for fundraising efforts (crowdfunding), the establishment of anti-gender-based violence NGOs, an upcoming book, and several social media profiles.
Members of the public have expressed concerns that the "Uyinene" fundraising campaigns could be misinterpreted as having the support of the Mrwetyana family.
The family would like to clearly express that, though some of these initiatives may be well-intentioned, it does not support or have affiliation to any fundraising campaigns bearing the name of Uyinene.
They have asked the public to allow them the time to mourn in peace as this case was already so widely publicised.
Mrwetyana says to use Uyinene's name and also to disregard her grieving family so as to emotionally appeal to the public is unethical, misleading, insensitive and dishonest, regardless of whether the purpose is nefarious or well-intentioned.
The family announced at the funeral that they were in the process of initiating a foundation in Uyinene's name.
A 42-year-old Post Office worker has been arrested in connection with the murder and rape of the 19-year-old University of Cape Town student.
Uyinene Mrwetyana was reported missing on the 24th of August. Her body was discovered two days later in Khayelitsha.
The case was postponed to the 5th of November.
