On May 6, 2025, 19-year-old Jemérite Ndaya Mulengele was murdered in her own home in Turffontein, Johannesburg. A Congolese student and the eldest child in her family, Jemérite was reportedly at home when an unknown man broke into her residence. She was tragically stabbed, and the assailant fled the scene, taking her phone and laptop. Jemérite was a bright, young woman pursuing her education online, aspiring to build a future for herself and her family. Her life was taken in an act of senseless violence that has shaken her community and sparked outrage on social media under the hashtag #JusticeForNdaya.
As a 19-year-old living in South Africa myself, Jemérite’s death feels close. It could have been me, it could have been any of us. It’s not just a Congolese issue; it’s a human issue. But when people in the Congolese community point to xenophobia as the cause, I struggle to fully agree. Crime in South Africa is complex. It’s not always about targeting foreigners — it’s about desperation, opportunity, and the harsh realities of life in a society plagued by violence and poverty.
And yet, in the wake of Jemérite’s murder, many are calling for President Félix Tshisekedi and First Lady Denise Nyakeru to intervene, as if their presence could somehow bring justice. But why are we so dependent on political leaders who, realistically, may not even be aware of every tragic incident? Why not focus on what we, as a community, can do? Why not empower ourselves with knowledge of our rights and push for accountability from local authorities?
People say I’m a sellout for not supporting the narrative that this is purely xenophobic violence. But to me, it’s more than that. It’s about how we respond when tragedy strikes, how we unite in grief and anger, and how we seek justice not just for one of our own but for anyone whose life has been unjustly taken.
Jemérite’s story is heartbreaking, and I pray that her family finds comfort and that justice is served. But beyond that, I hope that we — Congolese, South Africans, all of us — can look at her death and ask ourselves: What can we do to protect our communities? How can we hold those in power accountable? And how can we ensure that no other young life is cut short so tragically?
Rest in peace, Jemérite. May your story inspire us to do better, to care more, and to fight for justice for all.
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