The Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court has postponed bail hearings in two separate murder cases, both involving women allegedly being killed by their partners.

The cases, which were brought before Magistrate Estelle de Lange on Thursday (15/8), have once again drawn attention to the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in the province and the country. This as President Cyril Ramaphosa also declared  GBV+F a pandemic.

Stephen Songezo (42) is accused of murdering his lover, Mpho Moalosi, who was a teacher at Tsoseletso High School. The incident occurred earlier this year on the Dewetsdorp Road, where Songezo allegedly ran over Moalosi’s body with her vehicle. 

During Thursday’s proceedings, Songezo’s lawyer informed the court that she was withdrawing from the case due to financial reasons. The case was then taken over by a Legal Aid representative, who requested time to consult with Songezo. After a brief adjournment, the magistrate postponed the case to 19 September 2024, for further bail information.

In a separate matter, Simphiwe Macdonald Masithela (39) appeared in the same court. He is charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Bongiwe Phulamba (35). Phulamba was allegedly stabbed to death by Masithela in Turflaagte in June 2024. 

Masithela’s bail hearing was postponed to 26 September 2024, pending further bail information and the results of DNA testing.

Representatives of various churches, organisations, and officials from the Mangaung Metro, including Speaker Lawrence Mathae, held another GBV march. The march, which began at Hoffman Square and ended at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, was organised to support the families of the victims and to demand justice. 

Mathae emphasised the need for a united front against GBV, highlighting his office’s role in a moral regeneration movement aimed at addressing the violence plaguing communities.

A GBV march was organised to show support for the families of the victims and to demand justice. Picture: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

“Recently we have seen an increase in horrific acts of violence against women and children,” Mathae said. “We are working in partnership with organisations like Buang Banna, Buang Basadi, Majita Saturday, FAMSA, and the SAPS, to say ‘Not in my name’.”

In her opening address, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha Mathae spoke passionately about the alarming rate at which women are being killed by their partners. She reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to combat GBV through education, community activism, empowerment, law enforcement, counselling, and the provision of shelters for survivors.

“The government has placed the fight against gender-based violence and femicide high on the agenda,” Premier Mathae stated. “We are committed to addressing this scourge through a multi-faceted approach that includes education, community engagement, and robust law enforcement.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg