By Doreen Mokgolo
The residents of Tsakani, Ekurhuleni are pleading with the police and courts to prioritise cases of GBV and femicide as this will send a harsh message to the perpetrators of the violence.
They were speaking during a candlelight ceremony held in memory of Dimpho Maqai, who allegedly committed suicide with her boyfriend’s 9mm pistol on Friday.
On Tuesday 16 July, the 37-year-old from Tsakani in Ekurhuleni was found lying dead on her back with two gunshot wounds to her head: one next to her right ear and another wound on the left side of her head.
Maqai allegedly had an argument with her boyfriend, Sibusiso Ntuli, after her ex-husband asked her to move back to their marital home to mend their relationship.
Ekurhuleni police spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela said preliminary investigations revealed that the firearm used during the commission of the crime belonged to Ntuli.
This is one of the nine licensed firearms and ammunition that were found in three different safes in his bedroom.
The couple had allegedly dated over the years on and off before Maqai was married, and they rekindled their relationship in December after she and her husband separated.
In an interview with Scrolla.Africa, the woman’s sister, Mapaseka Mabiletsa, said all they want is for Ntuli to be arrested and charged with negligence or murder so he will be interrogated properly.
“When I spoke to him at the scene, he had visible scratches on his arms and his belt was broken but he refused to own up to the crime.
“He told me that they had an argument after he asked her to move out as he was financially overwhelmed and could no longer support her and her children.
“He said while sitting in the living room with the keys of the three safes in his possession he heard the gunshot sound and a smell of gunpowder coming from the bedroom.”
Sekgobela said Tsakani police are investigating a case of unnatural death, but no one has been arrested.
Pictured above: Dimpho Maqai.
Source: Supplied
