The Moretele Magistrates’ Court recently handed down a sentence in a harrowing case of femicide. Nkateko Masha, a 24-year-old man, was sentenced to a 15-year jail term, with 5 years suspended, for the murder of his 17-year-old girlfriend.
The incident took place on 16 November 2021, in Stinkwater near Moretele.
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The court heard that Masha confronted his girlfriend at his home after seeing images on Facebook that he believed indicated infidelity. An argument ensued, leading the girlfriend to decide to end the relationship.
However, she chose to spend the night in Masha’s outside room. Tragically, while she slept, Masha retrieved a knife and fatally stabbed her. He then attempted suicide by cutting his own hands before eventually turning himself in to the police.
The state prosecutor, Mpho Matlala, highlighted the prevalence of femicide in the country and emphasized that being in a relationship does not grant anyone the right to take another person’s life.
Magistrate Gilbert Sono agreed with the prosecutor’s arguments but also took into consideration Masha’s young age, first-time offender status, and potential for rehabilitation when imposing the sentence.
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Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the efforts of the prosecutor and Constable Kekana from the South African Police Service for their collaboration in bringing justice to the deceased’s family.
She called upon community organizations to strengthen educational programs on gender-based violence and femicide.
