The family of Scelo Fannie Mwelase (35) from Ezinketheni, Pietermaritzburg, is reeling after he was brutally murdered in his home in front of his two children on Saturday morning, allegedly by someone close to him. According to his uncle, Mandla Mwelase, Mwelase suffered massive head trauma and multiple stab wounds. “We don’t know why he was killed.
He loved his family dearly,” Mandla said. Mandla said he was woken by the child crying and screaming that her father was being attacked. “It was terrifying.
They were too young to witness such violence,” he said. “My nephew was rushed to hospital in a private vehicle but was declared dead on arrival.” The murder took place in Mwelase’s modest one-room home. “This was someone he trusted,” Mandla said.
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“To be attacked by [someone you trust] is beyond shocking for us and the children.” Mandla said the family is devastated and frustrated that the suspect is still at large. “[They] must be arrested and held accountable. Justice must be served,” he said.
Community activist Mxolisi Nxumalo called the killing deeply disturbing and heartbreaking, and a reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable families. Nxumalo expressed concern over the trauma inflicted on the children who witnessed the attack. It is horrifying that such violence could be carried out by someone within the family circle.
“The children’s lives have been forever scarred. We call on police to locate the perpetrator and ensure they face the full consequences of their actions,” he said. Nxumalo added that the incident, taking place during the country’s commemoration of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, highlighted the broader social challenges.
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