- Nonkanyiso Mgwaba, an 18-year-old from KwaMashu, died under mysterious circumstances after allegedly jumping from a moving car.
- Her family is demanding answers and questioning the boyfriend’s account of the events.
- Police are investigating the case as a culpable homicide.
The family of Nonkanyiso Mgwaba, an 18-year-old from KwaMashu, is demanding answers following her mysterious death, which allegedly occurred after she jumped out of a moving car.
Mourning family demands answers on death of Nonkanyiso Mgwaba
Mgwaba, affectionately known as Nonka, was declared dead at King Edward Hospital in Durban on 1 July 2024.
According to reports, she had been in the hospital’s high care unit since the night of Saturday, 29 June 2024, after allegedly sustaining injuries from jumping out of a moving car.
The family last saw Nonka on Friday, 28 June 2024, when her 33-year-old boyfriend picked her up from her home in KwaMashu to take her to his home in Chesterville.
The boyfriend later reported to the family that Nonka had jumped out of his car while they were driving around Chesterville.
He claimed he searched for her but could not find her. The family opened a missing person’s case on Sunday and posted a plea for assistance on Facebook.
A nurse from King Edward Hospital recognised Nonka from the post and informed the family that she had been admitted with severe injuries and later passed away.
Nonka was discovered on the side of the N3 freeway near Pavilion Mall on the night of 29 June and was rushed to the hospital.
Her body was identified by the family on 1 July. The family is deeply distressed and is seeking the community’s help in uncovering the truth behind her death.
What we know about the boyfriend
Nonka’s 33-year-old boyfriend is now under scrutiny as suspicions mount over his account of the events.
The couple left KwaMashu on Friday afternoon, and the boyfriend returned later that evening, reporting that Nonka had jumped out of the car.
The family found his story inconsistent and is seeking clarity on the actual circumstances surrounding Nonka’s death.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Constable Thenjiwe Ngcobo confirmed that Westville police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.
“An 18-year-old girl sustained injuries from an accident that occurred at Westville on Saturday, June 29, 2024. She was conveyed to a nearby hospital for medical attention and later died,” Ngcobo said.
Nonka was a Grade 12 learner at Nhlakanipho High School and a mother to a three-year-old son.
She lived with her mother, grandmother, two older siblings, and her one-year-old son in KwaMashu. The family described her as a vibrant and loving young girl who enjoyed life.
Nonka’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, 13 July 2024.