Tebogo Msimanga |
The Middelburg High Court on Monday sentenced Morgan Mashiya, aged 30 to life imprisonment after being charged with murder, attempted murder and arson.
The court heard that on 18 August 2020, the accused bought petrol and poured it inside the house he was occupying with Nkosimphile and their daughter. The accused then locked himself, his girlfriend, as well as their daughter inside the house and furthermore, pushed the couch against the door to ensure that no one escapes. He then set the house on fire.
Mpumalanga Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said while the house was in flames, the accused shouted for help and managed to grab the keys and threw them outside through the window.
“He managed to escape and left the two inside. Fortunately, Nkosimphile covered her daughter with a blanket and also managed to get out of the house however with serious burn wounds. Nkosimphile died three days later.” The accused was arrested on the same day.
Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded the sterling work displayed by the Investigation team, the Prosecution, as well as the Judiciary as the sentence will serve as a deterrent to the wannabe criminals.
“This will assist in bringing closure to the matter, especially to the affected families. The issue of Gender-Based Violence is on the National agenda and I will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book without any hesitation”.
