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By Nkululeko Nene 
9h ago
Durban: Angry community members in Thongathi set fire to a local tavern after human remains were discovered on Friday, believed to have belonged to a missing student.
However, a family member said only DNA tests would determine if the remains discovered near the Wewe River were those of Andile “Bobo” Mbuthu, 16.
The 12th grader had gone missing after he was allegedly accused of stealing alcohol at Magagula’s Lounge, a local establishment in the Hambanathi community, which the community set on fire on Friday night.
When the Sunday Tribune visited the site on Saturday, smoke was still rising from the establishment, the walls of which were darkened by soot.
ANC councilman for Barrio 62, Zanele Princess Khumalo, who was on the scene, said the community had expressed anger at the tavern owner by burning the property before looting alcohol and meat.
The teenager was last seen alive in a video, allegedly filmed in the same room, showing that he was beaten.
Andile’s uncle, Ntobeko Ngidi, said the student had allegedly been kidnapped by the owner, who accused him of stealing from the tavern.
Ngidi said it hurt because a suspect, a well-known taxi owner, was on the paternal side of Andile’s family.
He said the family demanded the police be closed after only bones were discovered in the river.
The family was waiting “for the DNA results to give us complete closure.”
“It is very strange because in the video, which was circulating on social networks, his left eye was seriously injured and he had difficulty breathing. But he was still alive even though he was in a lot of pain, with blood on the floor, “said Ngidi.
He said his nephew was “mischievous, like any other boy his age,” but that was no reason to kill him, and there was no tangible evidence that he had stolen liquor.
“I don’t know what happened because he wasn’t there, but I do know that he is a very responsible and well-behaved boy with a bright future ahead of him.
“We want the law to take its course; we want to know what happened to him, ”he said.
Andile’s friends, Njabulo Mpanza and Nkosingiphile Radebe, said Andile had worked for Pie City on the weekends. They said that he did not smoke or drink alcohol.
“His death has caught us by surprise. He wanted to become an accountant because he was smart. We already miss his humor; We wish he was here with us, “said Njabulo.
Police said they had taken DNA samples to determine if the remains were from Andile.
KZN police spokesman Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed that the establishment caught fire at approximately 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Gwala said police were investigating a case of public violence, arson, and malicious property damage.
No arrests were made and no one was injured in the fire.
Sunday Tribune
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