Malamulele murder: Family blames abusive relationship for woman's death
LIMPOPO – A 28-year-old woman, Lunghile Chauke, was brutally stabbed to death in her rented room in Malamulele section A during the early hours of May 30, in what police and family believe to be a premeditated act of violence.
The 34-year-old Nyiko Nkuna, who was in a relationship with the deceased, has been charged with murder and made his first appearance in the Malamulele Magistrate's Court where his case was postponed to this week Wednesday for a formal bail application. He remains in police custody under hospital guard after sustaining minor injuries while fleeing.
Chauke, who worked in Malamulele, originally hailed from Ndengeza village in Giyani, was a mother of two. According to her family, she had been attempting to leave an abusive relationship and had received threats prior to her murder. 'He once sent her a WhatsApp message with a photo of a gun saying he wanted to kill her,' said her elder brother and family spokesperson, Nhlamulo Chauke.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed that police were alerted after neighbours heard screams coming from the victim's room. 'It is reported that the suspect knocked on the victim's door and was let in. Shortly afterwards, neighbours heard a commotion and her screams for help,' said Ledwaba.
When they arrived, the suspect had already fled. They found Chauke in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds to her upper body. A sharp object, suspected to be the murder weapon, was found at the scene. Emergency personnel declared her dead on arrival.
A manhunt was launched, and an injured Nkuna was found hiding in nearby bushes. He was arrested and taken to hospital, where he remains under police guard.
Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe condemned the murder and appealed to couples experiencing relationship problems to seek professional help rather than resort to violence.
Chauke's family vowed to oppose any bail application that may be brought.
'We were aware she wanted to leave the relationship. He had spoken of paying lobola, but we feared that marrying our sister would only lead to her death. We do not want him released on bail,' said Nhlamulo.
Her funeral was scheduled for Saturday in Ndengeza village's graveyard in Giyani.
Local anti-GBVF organisation 'Munna Ndi Nnyi?' also condemned the killing. Chairperson Bardwell Mufunwaini, called on men to be protectors rather than abusers. 'Men must stand firm and denounce the killing of women and children, especially by those who are supposed to love and protect them,' he said.
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