Vermando Vincent Chowe, a 44-year-old Mpumalanga man, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his girlfriend, Soneni Dudu Mashaba, in front of her two children. The fatal altercation occurred on December 7, 2022, in Hazyview, after Mashaba refused Chowe’s demands for sex. Chowe left the bedroom, returned with a sharpened knife, and stabbed Mashaba in the neck. Despite pleading not guilty, the post-mortem results confirmed Mashaba’s death was caused by a deep penetrating wound.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) emphasized that Chowe showed no remorse for his actions. During sentencing, the State argued that gender-based violence and femicide must not be tolerated, and courts must protect women’s dignity and freedom. The NPA welcomed the sentence, coinciding with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
This case highlights the disturbing reality of gender-based violence. A recent Human Research Science Council report revealed that over 44% of men expect their partners to agree to sex whenever demanded. This mindset perpetuates violence and abuse, emphasizing the need for continued awareness and action against such behavior.
In other news, A man from North West was left shocked when he discovered that his ex-wife had orchestrated an auction of their R1.5 million home, which was sold for only R1,000 to her attorney in his absence.
Makgothu Rudolph Mosothoane and Moela Flora Mosothoane were married in community of property but divorced in July 2022. As part of their divorce settlement, it was agreed that their house in Riviera Park North, Mahikeng, would be sold, and the proceeds divided equally between them. Makgothu obtained a municipal valuation of the property at R1.5 million and found potential buyers. He contacted an attorney firm to assist with the sale and transfer of the property.
Despite informing his ex-wife of the potential sale, she expressed disinterest in selling. In March 2023, Makgothu was served with a writ of attachment. In July 2023, he discovered documents in his yard regarding the planned auction, which was set for October 5, 2023. On the day of the auction, he took time off work, expecting it to be held at the property, but nothing happened. When he contacted the sheriff’s office, he learned that the auction had taken place at the office and the house had been sold for a mere R1,000 to his ex-wife’s attorney.
ALSO READ ; R1.5 Million House Auctioned for R1,000 – Court Intervenes in Divorce Property Dispute
