Date: October 13, 2020

Their murderers are still free

On a Friday night in May 2017, two young women were brutally murdered, sparking outrage across South Africa. Their killers have still not been brought to justice.

On 12 May 2017, 24-year-old Popi Qwabe, and 28-year-old Bongeka Phungula, hailed a taxi heading for a night out.

The two were not heard from again. Following a frantic search, the terrible truth was discovered.

Popi and Bongeka had been shot dead and dumped by the side of a road. They may also have been raped.

Two men were arrested in connection with the murders but were released due to a lack of evidence. According to the families, the police failed to investigate the murders, including failing to check for fingerprints in a taxi containing the women’s bloodstains and belongings.

It has been three years since Popi and Bongeka’s deaths, and despite national outcry, nobody has been brought to justice.

Sign the petition and demand justice for the death of Popi and Bongeka. 

Call for justice

Dear Minister Bheki Cele,

It has been three years since Popi Qwabe and Bongeka Phungula were shot dead. Both aged in their twenties, the two young women were talented drama students with brilliant futures ahead of them.

But their dreams were cut short one night in May 2017 when they were killed and dumped by the side of a road. The police investigation that followed was riddled with mistakes: a bloodstained taxi was recovered but the forensics and autopsies were never published. As as result, key suspects were released due to a lack of evidence. Popi and Bongeka's families want answers and demand justice.

You can help them by ensuring a prompt, thorough, fair and impartial investigation into the murders. Impunity for acts of gender-based violence cannot continue.

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