Three men appear in court in connection with Zanele Sandlana’s murder

Three suspects arrested for the rape and murder of Zanele Sandlana briefly appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The trio, aged 25, 33 and 35, appeared in front of magistrate Vernon Tjantjies, where state prosecutor Manelisi Macaba asked for the postponement of the case for the suspects’ details to be verified. They will be kept in Pollsmoor Prison until the 30th of this month.

The 21-year-old mother of one was last seen by her family on the 2nd of September going to attend her friend’s birthday party in W-section Site B. Her lifeless body was discovered by residents on the following day in TR Section stripped of her clothing save for her bra. A bottle was stuck in her mouth. Western Cape Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana applauded the Khayelitsha police for the arrest of the three.

In the meantime, Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) chairperson Ndithini Tyhido says he is happy with the way the police have handled the matter. “As KDF on behalf of the community of Khayelitsha we salute the Khayelitsha Police Cluster for the successful arrest of the suspects for killing such a beautiful soul.”

Harare Community Policing Forum chairperson Ronnie Busakwe, also welcomed the arrests and urged residents to come forward with any information that would lead to the conviction of the suspects.

The suspects are expected back in court at the end of the month for formal bail application.