Cape Town – The boyfriend of slain teenager Sinoxolo Mafevuka allegedly stabbed a boy who was seen with police detectives, the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court heard on Monday.
"That boy, as we speak is lying in Tygerberg hospital, stabbed in the neck by the boyfriend of the deceased after he was accused of giving information," investigating officer, Constable Bakiti Tshabalala told the court.
"I have asked his family to lay a charge on his behalf."
Tshabalala was arguing why the two men accused of Mafevuka's rape and murder, her boyfriend's cousins, should not be granted bail.
He said he had met many people who told him the accused's relatives had threatened to assault them or remove them from the area if they spoke out.
It made investigation difficult because they had to arrange meetings with residents in places they would not be seen.
"It shows the extent to which the family would go to ensure the case doesn't proceed."
Mafevuka's naked body was found sprawled over the seat of a communal toilet in SST section.
The men, aged 21 and 26, were arrested in March, two weeks after her body was found.
Alleged infidelity
They are said to have killed Mafevuka for cheating on their cousin.
The court heard on Monday that police believed the teen was killed in one of the men's shacks before being dumped in the toilet.
However, a forensic expert from Pretoria could not gather vital clues as residents had by that time already demolished both the men's shacks in disgust.
Tshabalala said they were not sure where the men's belongings were.
"Residents have made it clear that they no longer want both the accused back in their community… releasing them may create public disorder. They may take the law into their own hands."
Tshabalala said a man "who saw the accused grow up" had placed both men at the toilets on the night of the murder.
The defence is due to cross-examine the police officer on May 16.
