Bheki Cele Visits Family of Murdered Teacher in KwaZulu-Natal

**A Tragic Incident: A Family Loses Both Parents**

Former police minister Bheki Cele recently visited the family of Nontobeko Cele, a KwaZulu-Natal teacher tragically murdered by her boyfriend, Sibusiso Lawrence, who then took his own life. The incident has shocked the nation, shedding light on the devastating impact of gender-based violence on families, particularly children.

### The Tragic Story of Nontobeko Cele and Sibusiso Lawrence

On December 19, 2024, former police minister Bheki Cele visited the family of the slain teacher, who was fatally stabbed by Lawrence before he hanged himself. Lawrence confessed to the crime in a disturbing Facebook video, revealing that the motive behind the murder was his belief that Cele intended to leave him after receiving Road Accident Fund (RAF) money. In his chilling video, Lawrence claimed that his girlfriend rejected him and planned to move on after the financial payout, which he had helped secure for her.

### The Devastating Impact on a Young Child

During his visit, Cele expressed his deep concern for the couple’s two-year-old child, who now faces a future without both parents. The child, who has lost both mother and father, is now left with an uncertain future. Cele lamented that Lawrence’s actions seemed to disregard the child’s well-being. He emphasized that, in such cases, men must take responsibility for their actions and find solutions to relationship challenges without resorting to violence. “The question of gender-based violence will have to stay with the men, and the men will have to come with the answers,” Cele stated.

### A History of Abuse

The Cele family, along with Lawrence’s family, revealed that this was not the first instance of violence in the relationship. They claimed that Lawrence had previously attempted to harm Nontobeko, fooling those around him into believing he was a caring partner. Nontobeko, a primary school teacher, had been in a traditional marriage with Lawrence, which involved the practice of lobola, a customary marriage negotiation. However, their relationship deteriorated as Lawrence became increasingly abusive.

Lawrence’s father shared that he had tried to intervene when the couple began having problems. He recalled speaking with Nontobeko’s family about the couple’s difficulties before she decided to end the relationship. Despite his son’s quiet nature, Lawrence had recently expressed his frustrations, including claims that the child in question was not his.

### Social Media and Public Reactions

The case took a disturbing turn when graphic images of the crime scene were shared on social media. Bheki Cele condemned the sharing of such content, urging South Africans to respect the dignity of those involved. He called for a collective effort to refrain from circulating sensitive and traumatic material, recognizing the severe impact on the grieving family.

### Ongoing Investigations

The police are currently investigating the murder of Nontobeko Cele and have opened an inquest into the circumstances surrounding Lawrence’s death. Colonel Robert Netshiunda of the KwaZulu-Natal police reported that Lawrence had picked up Nontobeko from her home before the fatal attack. The body of the teacher was discovered in Umzinto, showing multiple stab wounds.

As the community grapples with the loss, the case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence, and the urgent need for solutions to end gender-based violence in South Africa and beyond.

This article reflects the tragic incident involving Nontobeko Cele and Sibusiso Lawrence, emphasizing the emotional toll of violence on families and communities.