The community of Mandalay in Cape Town is still in shock after a body of woman was found underneath the floorboards in a room of man she was last seen with on the day she disappeared. Cleo Diko (32) from Mandalay in Cape Town went missing in October last year after she had gone to a local tavern for drinks with her boyfriend by the name of Sandile Jekwa(38) who stays few houses away from her street. It is alleged that the two were seen having an argument in the tavern and later left.

ALTERCATION THEN DISAPPEARANCE

According to other Diko's friends who were present when a commotion happened, Diko and the boyfriend left and they never saw her again. "They left together and Sandile returned alone. From what we can remember is that on that night he came back wearing different clothes. We never suspected anything wrong with it. We thought maybe he went home to shower. After that we never saw our friend and when he was asked about her whereabouts, he said he accompanied her home," said a friend who wished not to be named. The friend further said: "After the disappearance of Cleo, Sandile was not spending much time in Mandalay. He spent most of his time in his rented flat in town. We are shocked that he is the suspect for this barbaric act. He deservea to rot in jail if indeed killed our friend."

BLOOD STAINS

It is alleged that Sandile's mother had gone to clean his room when she discovered blankets and sheets with blood stains. According to the friends the alleged body is assumed to belong to Cleo. "When Sandile's mother was cleaning his room, she discovered blankets and sheets with blood stains. She then informed cops and community leaders who then started searching. They then noticed that were new fitted tiles in the room and cops brought the dog unit to investigate. That is when a body was discovered underneath the floorboards," the friends said.

SUCCESFUL ARREST

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazilia confirmed the incident. "Sandile Jekwa is charged with murder. His case was postponed until 23 March 2023 for bail application," said Ntabazilia.
Veranique Williams from Faith and Hope For Missing Persons said they want the culprit to rot in jail. "We were informed that they found pillows and blankets with blood and that information led us to go and search the property. We are happy that the family will finally know the truth on what really happened on that day Cleo disappeared," she said. Local councillor Avron Plaatjies said that they are deeply saddened about what is happening in their area."I am deeply saddened by this devastating news. My condolences to the bereaved family and friends.I welcome the arrest, and hope SAPS will speedily conclude this investigation and that justice will be served," he said.