Soweto Residents Demand Justice After Man Allegedly Kills Mother with Sledgehammer
Tensions are running high in Soweto after Bakhe Bhembe, 39, appeared briefly in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, facing charges of brutally murdering his 74-year-old mother, Busisiwe Bhembe. Residents of the close-knit community are calling for the court to deny him bail, fearing for their safety and the safety of their families.
The horrific incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, 22 December, at around 03:00. According to Bakhe’s younger brother, Sandile Syananzu, 31, Bakhe allegedly struck their mother with a sledgehammer in her bedroom. In shock, Sandile fled the house and reported the incident to the Protea Glen police station. Officers later arrested Bakhe in his room.
Busisiwe’s death has left the community shaken and grieving. Neighbor Noluthando Mthembu described her as a loving, energetic mother who was cherished by everyone. “She was a sweet, loving woman who did things on her own. Her murder has traumatised us,” said Mthembu.
Residents are adamant that Bakhe should not be allowed back into their community, citing fear and the need for justice. Mthembu added, “He threatened that he would be back in two days. We are raising young children in our community. We have mothers here who could fall victim to such cruelty.”
Another neighbor, Mpumelelo Ndlandla, echoed these fears, describing how the murder had instilled deep unease in the community. “We are all afraid. This has left us with no choice but to act should he be released. We can’t live in fear in our homes,” said Ndlandla.
The motive behind the murder remains unclear, leaving many residents searching for answers. Ndlandla emphasized the community’s demand for justice, saying, “[Busisiwe] was a mother to all of us on our street. We loved her. She deserves justice. The law must punish her killer.”
As Soweto mourns the loss of a beloved elder, residents are united in their plea for safety and justice. The tragic incident has not only left a family devastated but has also shaken the entire community to its core.