Women allegedly slain in cold blood

Community uproar has followed the slaying of two women in different parts of Polokwane – both allegedly by knife-wielding attackers – the past week and a half.
Footage of happenings after the alleged murder of a 30-year-old woman at the corner of Church and Marshall streets in Polokwane on Saturday at approximately 06:00 reveals outrage from onlookers wanting to allegedly kill the suspect, who was visible in close proximity of the partially covered corpse. Expressing themselves in Sepedi, the translated version thereof point at bystanders remarking on the video that “We must kill this dog”. Considering the visuals Polokwane Observer took a decision against posting the clip.
According to Provincial Police spokesperson Mampashwa Seabi the suspect, believed to have been in a relationship with the deceased with whom he allegedly had an argument prior to the incident, was expected to appear in court on a murder charge on Monday. The woman was seemingly stabbed several times, he indicated.

Following an earlier incident 23-year-old Lebogang Lamola’s body was reportedly discovered by her mother at their home in Moretloa Street in Seshego’s Zone 4 last Monday upon her return that afternoon. On Friday morning concerned community members gathered at Seshego Magistrate’s Court to demand the refusal of bail to a 38-year-old suspect, Cuthbert Manamela who handed himself over to Police two days prior. Seabi said Manamela remained in custody until 7 No­vember when he had to appear in court again on a murder charge and for a bail application. According to Seabi the deceased also had multiple stab wounds to the body.
Outside court Kedibone Lebea, speaking on behalf of the community, said they were present to get answers about the cold blooded murder of a young woman allegedly at the hands of a former boyfriend against whom she apparently obtained a protection order a week prior to her death. Lebea raised the question about the use of a protection order if a man could still take a woman’s life and said they had lost faith in the justice system and the Police, which were perceived to have failed to prioritise the case.
She disputed claims of the deceased, having completed a diploma in Human Resource Management at a facility in Polokwane in the past, allegedly dying for a blesser.
In an interview outside court one of Lamola’s long-time neighbours and childhood friends, Lesiba Lebea referred to the accused by exclaiming “He is a monster”. What happened was gruesome, he added. He expressed the opinion that women should be treated like queens and not be abused. He directed a message at women who were being abused not to be scared to act. Women abuse had to come to an end, he said. He was persistent in his stance that they would not leave until they knew the outcome of the day’s court proceedings.
In the meantime the singing and chanting continued outside court, where the group of inflexible community members firmly positioned themselves while they waited for the accused to arrive.

Story & photos: YOLANDE NEL
>>observer.yolande@gmail.com