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The Office of King Silosohlanga Dakhile has condemned the brutal killing of Hlobokazi Vusiwe, a young woman from Mbadango Village in Flagstaff, whose life was taken in Lusikisiki under deeply disturbing circumstances. The royal office expressed shock and sorrow, calling the murder a painful reminder of the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in the region. Princess Stella Sigcau has also added her voice, urging stronger action to protect women and ensure perpetrators face justice.
What Happened
According to the King’s Office, Vusiwe’s last message to her family indicated she had reached her destination safely. Shortly after, she was discovered murdered, leaving her family and community devastated. The royal statement described her death as tragic and senseless, showing the continued targeting of women and girls in the region.
A senior royal representative said, “Such brutality has no place in any society.” We call on law-enforcement agencies to prioritise this case and bring all responsible individuals before the law.”
Official Response
The King’s Office strongly condemned the killing and urged urgent action to protect women across the kingdom. The statement also honoured Hlobokazi’s memory and offered condolences to her family.
Princess Stella Sigcau, Senior Princess of the Mpondo Kingdom, described the murder as heartbreaking.
In her statement, she said:
“Violence against women has become a norm, with perpetrators often escaping justice. More must be done to protect our women and uproot GBV. Ms Hlobokazi Vusiwe was denied a promising future in the most barbaric way. Umthetho namapolisa mawathathe indawo yawo so that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
She further noted that men murder a woman every three hours in South Africa, making femicide one of the world’s most widespread human rights violations.
Princess Stella added, “No family should experience this pain. We urge government to firmly implement its commitments against GBV and femicide, and we call on civil society to stand and speak up.”
Community Impact
The killing has intensified public calls for stronger policing, faster prosecutions and improved safety measures for women in rural communities. Residents say the case reflects a national crisis, urging authorities to act decisively and consistently.
