Justice for femicide victim
The court heard an emotional testimony from the deceased’s brother about the impact the murder has had on the family
The Malinga family has had to relive painful and traumatic memories in their quest for justice after the murder of their sibling, Phumzile Angelina.
Phumzile’s last living moments, her mother’s mental instability since the murder, and her young daughter’s probing questions were replayed in the Estcourt Regional Court as prosecutors sought to prove that accused Khehla Majola was guilty of killing his former lover.
The two were in a romantic relationship before an argument that turned violent in 2021.
“Majola assaulted Malinga with a bush knife and then fled the Emabhalonini area (in Mimosadale). However, he returned in December, broke into the house during the night and stabbed her to death,” explained National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.
The accused evaded arrest until January this year when the deceased’s family discovered that he was hiding in a nearby area and alerted the police. He was arrested and charged for a house break-in and murder.
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During the trial, Regional Court Prosecutor Nokulunga Ngcobo relied on evidence provided by the slain woman’s brother.
“His evidence directly linked Majola to the murder. In his evidence, Malinga’s brother also told the court of the impact her death has had on their family. He said that his sister died in his arms and he is struggling to get those images out of his head. He also said that their mother has become mentally confused since Malinga’s death; and Malinga’s four-year-old daughter keeps asking for her,” added Ramkisson-Kara.
It was a victory not only for the Malinga family and the prosecution but also for all women when, on Friday (which marked the start of the ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign), the murder accused was found guilty.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and eight years for the house break-in.
“The NPA welcomes the finalisation of this matter. Addressing the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide is one of our main priorities. We will continue to fight for justice for these victims. Well done to the prosecutor and the police on this successful prosecution,” concluded Ramkisson-Kara.
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