The 34-year-old Sibusiso Kula has been in custody since his arrest on Friday 20 January for the alleged murder of his 31-year-old wife, Jenniffer Motlhomi, in Kanana near Orkney outside Klerksdorp.

ALSO READ – #BreakingNews: North West ANC MP in cuffs for wife's murder

A magistrate will on Tuesday hand down the judgment regarding Kula's formal bail application which is being opposed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The spokesperson for the NPA in the North West, Henry Mamothame, said prosecutors deem the matter against Kula as serious in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act. On Friday 27 January the magistrate reserved judgment on Kula's bail application.

ALSO READ: ANC MP remains behind bars

The mother of two was found with a stab wound in her back and later died in hospital after she was allegedly rushed to the health facility by Kula.

Police reports reveal that Kula’s wife was found murdered on 27 November 2022, in what seemed like a robbery. She was found with a stab wound but the murder weapon has not been recovered.

The matter was reported by the medical facility where she was taken to by the accused to receive medical attention. He told the police that he was not present at his home when the incident occurred.

Following thorough investigations by the police linked to the alleged murder, he was arrested on Friday 20 January 2023 and charged with murder. Police investigations are still under way and Kula will remain in police custody until [his] next court appearance," Mamothame added.

The killing of Motlhomi allegedly at the hands of her husband Kula has since drawn wide condemnation.

The EFF joined a fray of those in Parliament condemning the murder of Motlhomi, allegedly at the hands of Kula.

EFF national spokesperson, Leigh-Ann Mathys, told OFM News that Kula made a mockery of parliament and of gender-based violence (GBV) in his rantings against GBV during parliament plenaries.

ALSO READ: EFF condemns GBV, as ANC MP is due in North West court

Following his arrest, the ANC Women's League released a statement calling for justice for the deceased.

The ANC Women League's provincial convenor, Bitsa Lenkopane, says the murder is a painful reminder of the prevalence of gender-based violence and femicide that many women and children still face.

ALSO READ: ANCWL demands justice following North West woman's murder

A few hours later, his former structure, where he was a secretary a few years before he was sent to parliament as an MP, also released a scathing attack condemning his alleged actions.

ANCYL spokesperson, Kutkwano Mothusi, said they stand opposed to the suspect who is currently in custody and set to face a murder charge in court. Mothusi added that they condemn in the strongest terms possible the murder of women and children.

ALSO READ: ANCYL condemns North West woman’s murder

One of the suspect's comrades and long-time friend also penned an emotional open letter condemning the murder of Kula's wife and GBV.

Former chairperson of Dr KK ANC YL, Mandla Tawana, wrote on his Facebook timeline: "I wrote something yesterday (Saturday 21 January 2023), but it still pains me to post it or share my opinion. However, still, I feel that I am guilty by association, for whatever we do in life mostly affects those that we were closely aligned with. Whatever opinion we have against them will not change what they have done to those that are in grief. We ought to take responsibility for our actions or decisions which compromise our moral standing in society."

Tawana said the suspect's actions placed his comrades in a corner and shamed the organisation.

"After reading all the media statements of both the ANCYL and ANCWL, I could sense disbelief and disappointment, one could detect that it wasn't easy for comrades to issue statements but they are duty-bound to lead the society. Now all of us are guilty by association," Tawana further added.

OFM News