A Mthatha family is demanding justice after a 28-year-old man living with a mental disability was allegedly beaten to death after entering a private student residence in North Crest.
Five men, including a security guard, have been arrested and charged with the murder of Phikolomzi Ngcwangu.
The suspects appeared in the Mthatha magistrate’s court on Tuesday and were remanded.
They are expected to return to court on April 7 for profiling and a possible bail application.
Police have clarified that, contrary to earlier reports, no students from Walter Sisulu University were involved in the assault.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, Ngcwangu was assaulted between 7pm on Wednesday March 25 and early on Thursday.
“The assault was allegedly carried out by a security guard on duty at a female residence, assisted by neighbours,” she said.
“The deceased allegedly entered the female residence, prompting security to chase him out.
“It is further alleged that the security guard was later joined by neighbours in the assault.
“The victim’s body was found in an open field near the residence with wounds sustained during the assault.”
Family spokesperson Zukiswa Ngcwangu-Dube said: “Only when someone is sent to jail will we feel some relief and be able to accept his passing.
“All we want is justice for Phiko. No sentence can bring Phiko back, but accountability is important and is therapeutic.”
Phiko was not a violent person — he was soft-spoken and shy. It was clear to everyone that he had a mental illness and posed no danger
Ngcwangu-Dube said Ngcwangu had been living with his paternal aunt in North Crest, a few streets from where his body was found.
“We noticed he was not at home early Thursday morning and initially thought he had gone to visit relatives,” she said.
“We were devastated to learn that his badly assaulted body had been found in an open area near the residence.”
She described him as gentle and non-threatening.
“Phiko was not a violent person — he was soft-spoken and shy. It was clear to everyone that he had a mental illness and posed no danger,” she said.
The five accused — Zachariah Mnqarane, 58, Shaun Gqiba, 31, Luzuko Xoko, 30, Lonwabo Mjanyelwa, 34, and Mzukisi Mjanyelwa, 46 — face murder charges.
Ngcwangu’s cousin, Luxolo Ngcwangu, said the family would closely follow the case.
“I will continue to attend the case until it is finalised, and we just pray there are not many unnecessary postponements or delays,” he said.
“The quicker the case is dealt with, the better for the family and for society.”
He said the case had drawn widespread attention in Mthatha and beyond, including interest from organisations advocating for people with disabilities.
Civil rights activist Petros Majola, director of the Khula Community Development Project, said the case highlighted the need for greater awareness around mental health.
“I am pleased that there has been a breakthrough in this heinous crime. It is especially tragic that the victim was a person with a disability,” he said.
“We always advocate for the protection of those with mental health issues, the disabled and the elderly.
“This incident demonstrates a pressing need for mental illness education and awareness in our society.”
Daily Dispatch
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