The last week of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children ended on a sour note when a Limpopo man stabbed his wife multiple times before hanging himself.
Freddy Mokgotho, 42, stabbed his 30-year-old estranged wife Refiloe Mokgotho six times in the kitchen of her parents’ home on Friday morning.
The attack took place in full view of the pair’s one-year-eight month daughter. The woman later succumbed to her injuries at a local health-care facility.
The murder happened six months after the couple had separated.
After committing the murder, Mokgotho fled to the couple’s house where he committed suicide using an electric cord.
My daughter was alone in the house
The deceased mother, Mariam Nkuna, said her daughter was killed after she had left for work.
“My daughter was alone in the house but it looks like she tried to run away but could not manage to escape. Police were called that morning,” Nkuna said.
She said she is shocked and heartbroken as she was still expecting a lot from her daughter.
“My daughter was in an abusive eight-year relationship, without life. 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.”
She advised other parents to be close to their children and listen to them.
Sesinyana Marule, a neighbour, watched in shock as Refiloe bled profusely before rushing her to Praktiseer Clinic where she was certified dead on arrival.
Suicide note found
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the motive for the killing is not known.
However, said Mashaba, a suicide note was found on the scene and the 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.
“The victim screamed for help and was taken to the nearest clinic by neighbours. She sustained multiple stab wounds and was certified dead at the clinic.
“The police received information and traced the suspect to his house in Bothashoek. Upon arrival, they found him hanging from the roof with an electric cord.”
[irp posts=”310880″ ]
Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, provincial police commissioner, condemned Refiloe’s murder and advised couples to resolve their differences amicably or to seek professional help if they are victims of domestic abuse.
Refiloe will be buried on Saturday at Praktiseer Cemetery.
- Thomo Nkgadima
