Teen Dies During Sleepover
A YOUNG GIRL has tragically passed away after reportedly being assaulted by her friend’s mother during a sleepover in Khayelitsha, leaving her family in shock as police proceed with their investigation.
Zukhanye Nkabeni, 13, suffered injuries last Friday night in Harare and was subsequently taken to Khayelitsha District Hospital, where she sadly succumbed shortly after midnight on Saturday.
Her grandmother, Portia Nkabeni, shared that the family is heartbroken. “My daughter, Unathi, called me to say she was at Zukhanye’s friend’s house. She mentioned Zukhanye was unwell, sitting on a couch looking drained,” she said.
“Unathi thought she was asleep and tried to wake her up, but she couldn’t walk. The friend’s mother claimed they had assaulted Zukhanye because she attempted to break into their home.”
The family was also informed that Zukhanye had ingested a mix of pills.
Portia stated: “There was no water available, yet they claimed she took pills. Unathi called for an e-hailing vehicle after Zukhanye started to become unresponsive, but when she asked Zukhanye if she was okay, she said yes.
“My granddaughter had a swollen forehead from being beaten with a broomstick. Unathi went to the police station first to report what happened, but the police insisted she must obtain a J88 form before returning to the hospital, yet Zukhanye didn’t make it.”
Portia mentioned that doctors later discovered traces of medications for high blood pressure, antiretrovirals, and antidepressants in Zukhanye’s system.
She questioned: “How could my grandchild have searched the house for pills if they were assaulting her for trying to enter?”
The grandmother visited the suspect’s home the following day seeking clarity.
“The woman spoke of a burglary, but I saw nothing broken; they claimed Zukhanye pried the door open. I struggle to comprehend how three older women could harm a young girl in such a manner,” she recounted.
“While they recounted their story, the daughter contradicted them, saying they heard Zukhanye trying to enter but chose not to open the door, after which she was attacked.”
Despite the family’s assertions, police confirmed that no arrests have been made so far.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk stated that Lingelethu West police opened an inquest case on Bhobhoyi Street, Ilitha Park, in the early hours of 27 September 2025.
“Assault reports were not included. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” he explained.
The women and children’s rights organization Ilitha Labantu condemned the killing of the teenager.
Spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali remarked: “Reports reveal that Zukhanye was visiting a friend when the friend’s mother, along with two other women, violently attacked her, striking her head with wooden planks.
“The brutal assault resulted in severe head injuries, and despite being rushed to the hospital, she was declared dead two hours later. Before her passing, she managed to give a statement regarding the incident.”
Monakali emphasized that this case underscores the reality that children are often harmed by those they trust.
“It is appalling and unacceptable that no arrests have occurred. Justice delayed is justice denied. The assailants must be apprehended swiftly and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law; anything less sends a dangerous message that violence against children can happen without consequence.”
He further added: “Zukhanye’s death represents not just a profound loss for her family, but a collective wound for our society. Her story should ignite a call to address the issue of violence against children and ensure that homes and communities become safe havens rather than places of harm.”
Ilitha Labantu extended its heartfelt condolences to the family and called for prompt police action. “Her memory must not just be another statistic; it should inspire us to create a society where no child endures violence or abuse.”
Portia conveyed that the family is struggling financially to bury Zukhanye. Anyone willing to help can contact her at 082 883 4845.