Plett mourns model’s murder
News of the violent death last week of Plettenberg Bay model Simnikiwe Mfengu at the hands of allegedly her boyfriend has been met with disbelief and sadness by all who knew her, and calls for justice especially since it happened during the annual 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign that ended on Monday 10 December.
The 22-year-old Nada J Creations model was allegedly stabbed to death by Muepa Kasanga in Cape Town on Monday last week (3 December).
Kasanga was arrested the next day and appeared in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town on Friday 7 December, when the matter was postponed to 14 December. He remains in custody.
‘She grew up in front of me’
A Plett resident, Ntombi Wonci, said Mfengu’s passing sent shockwaves through the community where she was well known and much loved. “We read about these stories all the time but this one really hit home – she grew up in front of me, took shape and fell in love with modelling right in front of me.”
Mfengu attended Murray High School in Plettenberg Bay before obtaining a management assistant diploma through Cape College. She started her modelling career in 2014 and it picked up in 2015. At the time of her passing, she was working at a retail store in Cape Town.
Owner of Nada J Creations Noloyiso Jujwana described Mfengu as not only a gift to her parents but she became a gift to countless others.
“I had the privilege of having her as one of my models and she always told me, ‘Sisi, noba ungathini ndim I showstopper yakho (No matter what, I’ll be your showstopper)’. I can say now the show has literally stopped. Everything came to a standstill… I don’t know how to pick up the pieces.”
‘She owned the interview’
Reflecting on their journey together, Jujwana said, “Simni and I became close when she had her first runway show wearing one of my garments – she gave that dress life! When she walked on that stage she owned it and it was the beginning of a beautiful journey for her. She wore every garment with pride and called herself a Nada J Creations ambassador… I remember every little detail for every fashion show and photo shoot.”
Jujwana said she particularly remembers the last one they had in Cape Town after an Expresso television show. “I’m camera shy but she showed me flames – she owned that interview and the shoot we had thereafter. Her smile was different, Simnikiwe was something precious to my brand. The fashion shows will never be the same without Simni’s bubbly self. Nada J has lost a jewel.
‘Broken by Simni’s passing’
Mfengu’s best friend Ntomboxolo Qwayi said they are “all still in shock and broken by Simni’s passing especially in this manner”.
“The wound cuts really deep,” said Qwayi. “She was a people’s person, a lover of life and loved by her peers and elders.”
The vibrant Mfengu made friends with people from all walks of life, Qwayi said, and added, “Her ability to keep smiling even when people are not nice to her was praiseworthy, she was such a happy soul.
“I’m five years older than her and I’ve known her all her life. I visited her house since she was born, our parents always saw an opportunity to remind us.”
On social media, there were also many who commemorated Mfengu and commented on her death.
Childhood friend Sivuyile Nkomo described her as a sweet girl. “I have not just lost a very good childhood friend but my partner in all things good and bad. I still can’t believe what happened. She didn’t deserve to die like that.”
‘Never a dull moment’
Pamela Mbandezi, a model from Knysna, said she shared the stage with Mfengu many times and that there was never a dull moment, “Our last show together was with David Tlale at the Plett 24hr Reunion Fashion show last year, such a beautiful soul.”
Another Knysna resident, Thuliswa Nzima, was also vocal about Mfengu’s passing and said that even though she didn’t know her, “she didn’t deserve to die like that”.
James Sijama, communications official from Bitou Municipality, said, “We as the municipality wish to share our deepest condolences with the family upon the tragic loss of their daughter.”
Mfengu, who leaves behind both her parents and her two sisters, will be laid to rest on Saturday 15 December in Plettenberg Bay.
There will be a memorial service for her in the Full Gospel Church in Plett tonight (13 December) at 18:00.
Her family was too distraught to comment at this stage.
Left is Simnikiwe Mfengu with her best friend Ntomboxolo Qwayi
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News