A City on Edge: Another Arrest in Likhona Fose Murder Case Sparks Tension

Durban Deep rattled as a Pakistani spaza shop owner becomes the latest suspect in brutal killing of Grade 8 learner

The pain still lingers in Braamfischerville. Just days after the discovery of 14-year-old Likhona Fose’s mutilated body in an open field, Johannesburg residents are grappling with a fresh wave of shock and anger.

Now, authorities have confirmed a second arrest in the murder case that has shaken the city and triggered both outrage and heartbreak. This time, the suspect is a Pakistani spaza shop owner from Durban Deep, an area currently fraught with tension.

A chilling twist in a community tragedy

The City of Joburg’s Public Safety Department revealed that the suspect was arrested after disturbing claims emerged linking him to the murder. According to early statements, another individual, previously arrested and currently in custody alleges that the spaza shop owner instructed him to commit the crime.

As the news broke, crowds swelled near the shop in question, resulting in looting and a brief eruption of violence. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) responded swiftly, deploying officers to calm the chaos and restore order.

“The community is hurting, and while we understand the emotion, we urge residents to remain calm and allow justice to take its course,” a city official said.

Who was Likhona Fose?

Likhona was more than just another young face in the crowd. She was a Grade 8 learner at Ikusasalethu Secondary School and was openly lesbian, a fact her grieving family believes played a role in her murder.

“She was proud of who she was,” said a family friend. “She didn’t hide it, and she faced bullying for it. We believe her murder was driven by hate.”

Her mutilated body was found on June 1 in a deserted field. The brutality of the crime has led to widespread speculation about possible hate crime motives, with activists and LGBTQ+ groups now demanding answers and justice.

The first suspect: a man with a violent past

The first arrest came shortly after Likhona’s body was discovered. Mduduzi Mnisi, a 39-year-old man with prior convictions for attempted murder and robbery, appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court this week.

Mnisi’s bail application was postponed to June 18, amid stiff opposition from the state. His lawyer complained that the accused had not received a bed or blanket at the Krugersdorp Correctional Centre — a detail that drew sharp criticism from the public, given the gravity of the charges against him.

Prosecutor Zanele Chauke has confirmed the state will oppose bail vigorously.

Social media reacts: #JusticeForLikhona gains momentum

Across social platforms, the hashtag #JusticeForLikhona is gathering steam. Tweets, TikToks, and Facebook posts are flooding in, calling not only for justice for the teenager, but also for accountability in how crimes against young LGBTQ+ South Africans are handled.

“This can’t just be another name on a list,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Likhona deserves better. Our kids deserve better.”

The sentiment echoes a growing concern around safety, discrimination, and the failure to protect vulnerable communities.

What happens next?

With the investigation still active and a second suspect now in custody, the stakes are higher than ever. Authorities say they’re working around the clock to gather evidence and understand the full scope of the crime.

Meanwhile, the community of Braamfischerville still in mourning waits for answers and justice. And across the country, a conversation about race, immigration, homophobia, and crime is once again being ignited.

Likhona Fose’s death has become more than a tragic local crime. It’s a mirror reflecting deeper issues in our society: how we treat the marginalised, how we police communities, and how quickly violence can erupt when justice feels out of reach.

But as arrests are made and details emerge, one thing is clear: South Africans are watching closely and they’re demanding justice not just for Likhona, but for every child failed by the system.

{Source: The Citizen}

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