Couples need to resolve their differences amicably or seek professional help if they are victims of domestic abuse.
These were the words of Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, the Limpopo provincial police commissioner, as she condemned the recent murder of Refiloe Mokgotho.
Buried at the weekend
Hadebe said this in a media statement after hundreds of mourners braved the rain over the weekend to pay their final respects to Mokgotho. The Limpopo woman was stabbed to death by her estranged husband in front of their toddler.
Mokgotho was buried at the weekend at Praktiseer Cemetery and her funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners.
Speaking at the funeral, her mother Mariam Nkuna said: “I didn’t believe a senseless crime like that happened, as I continue to imagine that her husband would do this to my daughter.
“I never thought she is gone. It was only when her coffin was lowered down the ground that I accepted. I needed to be strong for the sake of my grandchild,” she said.
She was described by her friends as a loving and caring woman.
Her friends said a man who kills his wife and takes his own life is a coward.
Stabbed in front of toddler
Her husband, Freddy Mokgotho, stabbed her six times in full view of the estranged couple’s child. The 20-month-old child witnessed its mother’s death. The incident happened on the eve of the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. After stabbing her six times, Mokgotho hung himself at his house.
The woman later succumbed to her injuries at a local clinic.
The murder happened six months after the couple had separated.
Turbulent marriage
Her mother said her daughter was in a turbulent marriage. “My daughter was in an abusive eight-year relationship. I could have told her to go stay with her brother in Pretoria.
“Unfortunately my daughter was very secretive about her relationship. She was a friendly, peaceful and loving person.”
Sesinyana Marule, a neighbour, who tried to assist Refiloe after the attack, told mourners: “It is time to establish a men’s forum (Ndodakhuluma) where they will talk about their feuds and relationship challenges.
Suicide note found
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the motive for the killing was still unknown.
However, said Mashaba, a suicide note was found on the scene and police are investigating a case of murder.
Mashaba said: “The victim was at her residence when the suspect visited her, stabbed her six times with a knife and fled the scene.
Suspect took his own life
“[She] screamed for help and was taken to the nearest clinic by neighbours. She sustained multiple stab wounds and was certified dead at the clinic.
“Police received information and traced the suspect to his house in Bothashoek. Upon arrival, they found him hanging from the roof with an electrical cord.
-Thomo Nkgadima
