The brutal killing of 22-year-old nursing student Avuyile Dlomo has taken a new turn as police charge five suspects, including four women linked to a prior altercation with the victim.
Dlomo was shot dead in her mother’s Sobantu home on May 18, in front of her two-year-old daughter and eight-year-old sister. The murder followed a dispute days earlier, when the four women allegedly robbed her of her phone after an argument over a selfie.
Three of the women—Debra Mkhize, Thembile Radebe, and Sibusiso Radebe—face robbery charges, while their relative, Erika Terry, has been charged with murder. An alleged hitman involved in the killing was later gunned down, but his accomplice was arrested and also faces murder charges.
State prosecutors say they have strong evidence, including CCTV footage and cellphone records, linking Terry to the shooter. The Dlomo family expressed cautious relief at the arrests but questioned the case’s postponement.
“The progress gives us hope, but we demand justice,” said a family spokesperson. The Sobantu community has rallied behind the family, staging protests at court hearings and calling for stronger protections for women.
“The courts must not let this case disappear,” said one activist. “We need justice for Avuyile and safety for all women facing violence.”
The case resumes June 2 at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, with three suspects out on bail and one remaining in custody.
