The slaying of our women continues

The murder of a young woman at Ha-Ramukhuba Dambuwo in the midst of National Women’s Month has led different community structures to call for an end to gender-based violence. The victim was identified as Fholisani Sinthumule (18).

According to an anonymous eyewitness, the incident occurred on Sunday, 8 August. The suspect, Maanda Maeba, allegedly accused Sinthumule, apparently his girlfriend, of cheating. A heated argument ensued at Maeba’s home, and he allegedly stabbed her to death. Maeba then went to his grandmother and told her that he had killed Sinthumule. A bloodied knife was found in his house, with Sinthumule’s 18-month-old baby sitting next to her body in a pool of blood, crying.

According to the Limpopo police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, Sinthumule was stabbed in the head several times. The incident had occurred at about 13:00. When the police arrived at the scene, the victim was lying on the ground. “We were alerted by members of the community who saw the incident taking place,” he said. The suspect handed himself over to the police on Monday, 9 August, and was charged with murder.

Maeba (26) appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 10 August. The case was postponed to 31 August for further investigation.

Mr Petrus Maselesela, the deceased’s uncle, said they were deeply upset and saddened by the incident. “If Maeba had issues with her, he should have just left her, without harming her.” He said that the family was very poor and humbly asked for donations of groceries and other necessities needed for the funeral arrangements. He can be contacted on 072 657 4664.

The chairperson of the Real Man Foundation, Mr Suprice Nengudza, said that no man killing a woman, for whatever reason, was a real man. “Real men do not kill or rape their women but give comfort and security to them. Let us all shout out in one voice against the abuse and cruelty perpetrated against our womenfolk. Only then will this country be a better place to live in,” Nengudza said.

The MEC for Social Development, Ms Nkakareng Rakgoale, expressed her disappointment in the manner that some people still used violence to solve their problems. She has condemned the incident in the strongest terms.

“It is very disturbing to still learn about incidents like this, especially during the month of August, when we are supposed to be commemorating and celebrating women. Gender-based violence is not exclusively perpetrated against women. In fact, women of today must emulate the women of 1956 and resolve disputes in a more peaceful manner,” said Rakgoale.

She said that the department had dispatched a team of social workers to provide psychosocial support to the traumatised family of the victim and other affected parties. “We once again urge people who have problems in their relationships not to resort to violence but to rather seek professional help from our social workers,” Rakgoale said.

Date:13 August 2021

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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