Cape Town – The vibrant energy of a birthday celebration in the Phola Park informal settlement in Philippi turned into a scene of unimaginable tragedy last Sunday, leaving a community reeling in shock and grief. Chumasande Majija, an 18-year-old woman, was found dead outside the shack where the party was held, sparking a wave of fear and unanswered questions.
The news of Chumasande's death spread like wildfire through the close-knit community, leaving her family and friends devastated. Her uncle, Akhona Majija, described the family's frantic search for answers. “It's not clear,” he said, his voice heavy with sorrow. “Some say she was found outside the shack, while others claim she was discovered on the bed. We're uncertain about what occurred.”
A chilling detail emerged from a resident who spoke to the Daily Sun.
“It appears she was raped before being killed. They were drinking and playing music. We even heard the noise from their party last night but assumed it was just kids having fun. We were shocked to wake up to the tragic news that one of these kids had died,” the resident said, their voice laced with horror.
The resident's account paints a horrifying picture of a celebration that descended into violence and despair. The discovery of Chumasande's body with her pants and tights lowered to her knees further fuelled suspicions of a brutal sexual assault.
Aphiwe Majija, Chumasande's sister, was inconsolable upon receiving the news while at work. "I had just arrived at work when I got a message that Chumasande had died," she said, her voice trembling with grief. "I can't believe it. I'm terribly hurt. I came here but still don't know what happened. We're waiting to hear from the police about the possible cause."
The family, grappling with the unbearable loss, noticed the absence of any visible wounds on Chumasande's body, leading them to believe she might have been strangled. This suspicion adds another layer of darkness to the already tragic circumstances surrounding her death.
Police spokesperson Captain Frederick Van Wyk confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Philippi East police have registered an inquest following the discovery of an 18-year-old female's body on 30 June 2024 at premises in Phola Park," he said. "A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The investigation continues."
The investigation into Chumasande's death is ongoing, with police working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to her untimely demise. The community, shaken by the tragedy, is left with a sense of unease and fear, questioning the safety of their neighbourhood and the potential dangers lurking within seemingly harmless celebrations.
