The IFP Women’s (IFPWB) Brigade Chairperson, Princess Phumzile Buthelezi, wants to see the grandson of an IFP stalwart rot in jail – if found guilty – for allegedly killing his sister and nephew.
IFPWB members, led by Ulundi Deputy Mayor, Mrs Gabisile Madela, descended to Mahlabathini Magistrate’s Court in Mashona, Mahlabathini today, where the accused, Smanga Magwaza, 20, appeared shortly. Magwaza, who is the grandson of the late IFP stalwart, Mrs Getty Magwaza, was arrested for killing his sister Sphesihle, and nephew Owami. He allegedly locked them in one of the tenant’s rooms, in Ulundi A section. Owami’s body was found stashed inside a bag, and both of the victims’ bodies were decomposed. The stench coming from one of the rooms led to the discovery, after the victims were reportedly missing for the whole week.
His bail hearing was postponed to 9 November 2020. Buthelezi says this will be a ‘charity begins at home’ case. The IFPWB want to make it clear that GBV perpetrators have no place in the IFP, or in the community. The IFPWB will attend the court proceedings and apply pressure, so that the suspect does not get bail.
We are concerned that the justice system continues to betray us. We were shocked to hear that the KwaMakhutha policeman, who was charged for rape that was allegedly committed inside the police station, was recently granted bail.
We wish to reiterate our call on the South African justice system not to be lenient to GBV offenders by granting them bail. This puts the complainants and witnesses’ lives at risk. It also increases the chance for other women and children to be abused, raped and killed by these same offenders.
Ends.
Contact:
Hon Princess Phumzile A.T.N. Buthelezi, MPL
IFP Women’s Brigade Chairperson
073 216 0918
3 November 2020
