Chris Gilili|Published
The family of Monde Sithole, 42, is demanding justice after his alleged murder in Gugulethu, calling on police to ensure a thorough investigation and for those responsible to face a harsh sentence if convicted.
His mother, Jabulile Sithole, alleges that her son was killed on the night of October 1 by his girlfriend, her brother and her 25-year-old daughter.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that an adult man and an adult woman had been arrested in connection with the murder. Both have appeared in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court.
Twigg said the matter was now before court.
Monde Sithole’s family recounts discovery of his body
Speaking to IOL Media, Jabulile said the family found her son’s body at another house a short distance from his home.
“When we got to that house, where we found Monde’s body, there was no trace of his blood. But after his younger brother, Athenkosi Sithole, walked around the area, he found two bricks covered in blood,” she said.
Jabulile alleged that Athenkosi also recorded a conversation on his phone in a shack where Monde was allegedly attacked. She said the recording captured the 25-year-old woman describing how they had beaten him before his death.
Jabulile said she was woken at about 6am by the mother of Monde’s child, who called her from outside and told her that her son was dead and she needed to collect his body.
“I woke up my other son, and we took my car to this place, which is not far from the girlfriend’s home. When I arrived, they told me Monde was drunk and sleeping.
“I got out of the car and asked if anyone had seen Monde, but no one replied. I went into the yard and saw that they had seated him on a chair. He looked like someone who was drunk and not actually dead.
“His body was clean. They had washed him after killing him. His mouth and eyes were wide open. I saw stab wounds all over his lower body, but my mind still couldn’t register that he was dead. I was shocked,” she said.
Jabulile said she struggled to accept that her son’s girlfriend, whom she identified as MaTshepo, could have been involved in his death.
“Upon realising that he was really dead, I cried loudly,” she said.
Athenkosi said he had left his brother at home at about 8.30pm on the night of the alleged murder.
“I still cannot believe it. I am sure his girlfriend killed him because they were not seeing eye to eye and had been separated for more than three months,” he said.
He added that Monde had been unhappy in the relationship and had been living in fear.
“They stabbed him several times and were very sure of what they were doing. They dumped him in that other house where his body was found. I hope we will get justice,” he said.
Gugulethu murder case sparks renewed calls to fight gender-based violence
Build One South Africa (BOSA) mayoral candidate for Cape Town, Roger Solomons, condemned the killing and called for continued police investigations.
“Monde lost his life in a brutal and evil manner, especially at a time when the country is speaking out against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF),” Solomons said.
“He lost his life in a way that no human being should. As BOSA, we have been saying that one doesn’t need to be a woman to fight gender-based violence. It affects both males and females.
“We are calling on law enforcement to continue the investigation. If found guilty, those who have been arrested must receive the harshest punishment. We will be following this case closely and will provide all the necessary support,” he said.
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