Family Seeks Justice After Khayelitsha Teen Dies In Alleged Sleepover Assault

The family of 13-year-old Zukhanye Nkabeni from Khayelitsha is demanding justice after the teenager died following an alleged assault during a sleepover last week.

Zukhanye was reportedly attacked last Friday night in Harare and rushed to Khayelitsha District Hospital, where she later passed away.

Her grandmother, Portia Nkabeni, recalled the heartbreaking events that led to her death:
“My daughter, Unathi, called me and said she was at Zukhanye’s friend’s place. She said she was not in good condition, she was sitting on a couch and she had no energy.

“She even thought she was sleeping, and woke her up and she was unable to walk. The friend’s mother told Unathi that they assaulted Zukhanye because she was trying to break into their home.”

The family was further told that Zukhanye had consumed a cocktail of pills. Doctors later discovered traces of blood pressure medication, antiretrovirals, and antidepressants in her system.

Police Investigation Yet to Lead to Arrests

Despite the allegations of assault, police confirmed that no arrests have been made. Instead, an inquest docket has been opened.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said: “Lingelethu West police registered an inquest case in Bhobhoyi Street, Ilitha Park, in the early hours of 27 September 2025. Reports of assault were not mentioned. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.”

Portia Nkabeni questioned the account given by the suspects, saying: “The woman told me about the burglary. I couldn’t see anything that was broken. I don’t understand how three old women could hit a young child like that.”

Rights Group Condemns Violence Against Children

The women and children’s rights organisation, Ilitha Labantu, has strongly condemned the incident, urging authorities to take urgent action.

Spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said: “Reports indicate that Zukhanye was visiting a friend when the friend’s mother, together with two other women, launched a violent attack on her, beating her on the head with planks.

“The assault left her with severe head injuries, and despite being rushed to hospital, she was pronounced dead just two hours later. Before her passing, she was able to provide a statement about the events that led to her death.”

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Monakali added that failing to arrest suspects sends the wrong message: “It is shocking and unacceptable that no arrests have been made. Justice delayed is justice denied.

“The perpetrators must be arrested immediately and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Anything less will send a dangerous message that violence against children can be carried out with impunity.”

The Nkabeni family has also appealed to the public for financial assistance with funeral costs. Anyone willing to help is urged to contact 082 883 4845.

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