Kula, who is also the former ANC Youth League secretary in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Region, was arrested on 20 January 2023 for allegedly stabbing his wife.

Police reports reveal that Jeniffer Mohlomi-Kula was found murdered on 27 November 2022 in their house in Kanana, in what seemed like a robbery. She was found with a stab wound on her back, but the object that was used for her alleged murder has not been recovered. 

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

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Following thorough investigations by the police, he was linked to the alleged murder, arrested and charged with murder.

SABC News reported that, in his bail application, Kula admitted that they had previously had serious fights and that his wife had obtained a protection order against him. He explained that, in the time leading up to her death, they attended a funeral together and even had a voice note he sent to his wife singing her a love song.

Magistrate Liezl Esterhuisen said in her ruling that Kula did not meet bail requirements.

The spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in North West, Henry Mamothame, says they welcome this outcome. "We have always believed as indicated in the affidavit that was presented by our prosecutor and compiled by the investigating officer, that we really see no compelling circumstances for the accused person to be granted bail. For now, we’re looking forward to the completion of the investigations in preparation for trial."

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Kula’s legal representative, Gcina Dlanjwa, says they are disappointed. "We have said in our address that the state case is purely based on circumstantial evidence and nothing else; they cannot produce any evidence. They stated that they have no obligation to refute the strength of our case or the weaknesses of their case. I think the magistrate misdirected herself and committed serious errors of misdirection, which we will prove in the High Court."

Further to this, an application will be made at a later stage with the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, for the matter to be transferred to a higher court, owing to its serious nature.

The case will be back in court on 24 February 2023. Kula will remain in custody. Investigations into the matter continue.

Murder draws wide condemnation

The killing of Mohlomi has since drawn wide condemnation.

The EFF joined the fray of those in Parliament condemning the murder. According to EFF national spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys, the murder suspect made a mockery of Parliament and gender-based violence (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 provincial convenor of the league, Bitsa Lenkopane, says the murder is a painful reminder of the prevalence of GBV and femicide that many women and children still face.

The spokesperson of the ANCYL, Kutkwano Mothusi, said they stand opposed to the murder-accused and that the Youth League condemn in the strongest terms possible the murder of women and children.

ALSO READ: ANCYL condemns North West woman’s murder

One of the accused's comrades and longtime friends also penned an emotional open letter condemning the murder and GBV.

The former chairperson of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda ANCYL branch, 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 with whom we are closely aligned. Whatever opinion we have against them will not change what they have done to those who are in grief. We ought to take responsibility for our actions or decisions that compromise our moral standing in society."

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