Family fears one accused could walk free in CPUT student’s murder case

The family of a Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) student who was raped and murdered in Paarl fears that one of the two accused could walk free after police reportedly raised concerns about insufficient evidence linking him to the killing.

More than two years after 22-year-old Asiphe Cetywayo’s body was found near a dumping site in Mbekweni, her relatives say repeated delays and the latest development have left them questioning whether they will ever see justice served.

The case is due back in the Paarl Regional Court on November 12, 2026.

The 22-year-old was last seen alive on March 2, 2024, with Luzuko Manzi at a nearby tavern. Her body was discovered two days later near a dumping site, with what was believed to be acid burns on her upper body.

According to court papers, Cetywayo had been raped and murdered. Two cousins were subsequently arrested in connection with her death.

They face charges of kidnapping, rape, murder and defeating the ends of justice.

The first accused, 37-year-old Mlungisi Manzi, was allegedly the last person seen with Cetywayo before she disappeared. The second accused, 28-year-old Luzuko Manzi, was arrested and accused of being an accomplice in the murder.

The family says delays in the case have eroded its confidence in the justice system.

Family spokesperson Bongeka Cetywayo said the latest developments had deepened their distress, after police reportedly indicated there was insufficient evidence linking one of the accused to the murder.

“The delays and the latest development have deepened our pain and frustration. We have waited too long for justice to be served. Now we are told there may not be enough evidence against one of the accused. It feels like we have failed again,” she said.

Bongeka said the family wanted police and prosecutors to strengthen the case and prevent further delays.

“The family wants closure. Asiphe was a young woman with her whole future ahead of her, we cannot allow her case to fall apart,” she said.

Although the trial has started, the possibility that one of the accused could walk free has renewed the family's anguish.