The murdered Nosipho Msithini’s family is calling for the death penalty to be reinstated and imposed on convicted murderers.
Msithini was allegedly killed by her lover in Barberton. He stowed her in what appeared to be a duffel bag, and was caught red-handed at the town’s dumpsite trying to dispose of it.
Simon Mahlalela, the victim’s uncle, said the gruesome killing of his niece has shattered the whole family and the community at large.
He said he believes those responsible deserve far worse than jail.
“Jail is a luxury, not a place of rehabilitation. The murderer will have a nice time in prison, get quality education and free, nice meals, while we as a family are burdened. We are powerless and feel like we failed to protect her. Her murderer has robbed her of a bright future and has put a knife into our hearts, which will leave a permanent scar.
“Apparently the man who killed our daughter was in a relationship with her and had been abusive for some time. This also shows how gender-based violence (GBV) is still a huge issue in the country.”
ALSO READ: Barberton SAPS arrests man with woman’s dead body in bag
According to Mahlalela, the act of killing and trying to dispose of another person is inhumane, and proved that the murderer is an animal.
“No sane person can kill someone’s daughter in that way and try to dispose of them at the dumpsite. The person has showed no remorse and this reveals that he wanted to feed her body to wild animals. I think the law should take its course, but I am worried he will not be rehabilitated and he might come back to trouble the community again.”
During his visit to Msithini’s family, the acting MEC for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Speedy Mashilo, promised to prioritise this case and make sure that justice is served.
“We will not stop at anything to ensure that the person behind this is dealt with by the long arm of the law. We are giving this case our full attention and all resources will be channelled into giving the family justice. We will make sure that this case will be set as an example to other people who try to commit such a crime.
“We are in a process of using computerised dockets, which will ensure that all reported GBV cases are not wiped out or closed. I want to strongly condemn parents who get bribes from perpetrators to close reported cases. I am pleading with everyone to report any form of domestic violence, as this leads to the murder of women and children. We cannot continue to live in a lawless country.”
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga SAPS commissioner welcomes the life sentence of ex-cop, Mugiyo Ulrich Mabunda
Mashilo said they will have an urgent security cluster meeting that will include prosecuting authorities and judges.
“We will discuss the seriousness of GBV cases and ways to restore trust as the communities have lost trust in the rule of law. We will prepare the case to the highest level.”
He said all witnesses should come forward to help strengthen the case.
“We have noticed that some people are no longer keen to provide information as they fear for their safety, but I want to promise them that they will be free from harm. We plead with anyone to come forward so that the state can have a strong case so that the scumbag is locked for life.”
