33-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife.
Image: File
A Pretoria court has sentenced Abraham Molelekwa, 33, to life imprisonment for murdering his wife with a screwdriver in front of their 10-year-old daughter on New Year's Eve.
The couple had been celebrating the New Year with a braai and drinks before going to bed after midnight.
"An argument ensued between the accused and the deceased, prompting Maria Mnguni to flee to their bedroom in an attempt to escape. Their 10-year-old daughter was also in the room at the time," said police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk.
The accused assaulted the victim before leaving the room, only to return moments later with a screwdriver, which he used to stab her multiple times in the neck and chest.
"The young girl witnessed the attack and cried out for help, but the accused threatened to stab her if she made any noise. He then locked the child in the room, secured the house, and fled the scene," said van Dyk.
The following morning, the couple’s eldest daughter, aged 17, returned home but was unable to enter.
"She called out, and her younger sister responded through the window, informing her that their father had killed their mother," said van Dyk.
The teenager sought help from neighbours, who broke down the door and found Maria Mnguni's lifeless body inside. The younger daughter had spent the entire night in the room, too frightened to move.
Police were alerted, and a case of murder was opened.
The accused, who had fled the scene, disposed of the evidence before seeking refuge at his family home in Soshanguve.
"Upon realising the gravity of his actions, he confessed to his family, who then escorted him to the nearest police station, where he surrendered himself," said van Dyk.
The case was assigned to Warrant Officer Lourens Lemmer of the Wonderboompoort SAPS Detective Service.
Through what police described as his "thorough and meticulous investigation," the accused was successfully prosecuted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Major General Samuel Thine Commended Warrant Officer Lemmer for his dedication and professionalism in handling the investigation and presenting the evidence in court.
IOL News
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