Man sentenced to life for attempted murder of girlfriend’s mother
Tambudzeni Justice Maphari will serve life behind bars after attempting to murder his ex-girlfriend's mother. The vicious stabbing attack occurred after his girlfriend returned to her mother's home, having left the abusive relationship with Maphari.
Image: File
A 43-year-old man who tried to murder his girlfriend’s mother by brutal stabbing, will serve life behind bars after being sentenced in the Louis Trichardt Regional Court this week.
The man attacked his ex-girlfriend’s mother in reaction to her returning to her mother’s home, fleeing from an abusive relationship.
Convicted Tambudzeni Justice Maphari of Madodonga village pleaded not guilty to the charge he faced, confirmed National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.
The woman, who was stabbed multiple times and lost consciousness during the attack, survived the vicious knife-wielding attack while carrying a child on her back.
Despite Maphari trying to maintain his innocence, the court heard compelling evidence that on 15 June 2023 the victim was at home with her daughter, who had returned home after fleeing an abusive relationship with Maphari.
Malabi-Dzhangi said: “During the conversation, Maphari entered the house and threatened to kill the mother. He then grabbed a knife from the table and stabbed the victim in the neck while she was carrying a baby on her back. Both fell to the ground, and the accused continued stabbing her in the back and spinal cord until she lost consciousness.
“The victim’s son found her lying in a pool of blood and immediately called for an ambulance. Maphari fled the village but was later traced and arrested by Tshilwavhusiku police officers in Gauteng. A medical expert testified that the victim sustained life-altering injuries, including a permanent disability that rendered her unable to work. She remained in the hospital for three months, recovering from the brutal attack,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Tshilidzi Rose Mugeri argued that gender-based violence has no place in society and must attract the harshest possible penalties.
“She emphasised that the victim was attacked in her own home, a space where she had every right to feel safe. The prosecutor also pointed out that the accused had shown no remorse and had five previous convictions for assault and domestic violence. The court concurred with the State, finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to impose a lesser sentence and sentenced Maphari to life imprisonment for attempted murder,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.
The NPA welcomed the sentence.
“The accused demonstrated a clear intent to kill by attacking the victim with a deadly weapon and inflicting life-threatening injuries. This outcome underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats gender-based and domestic violence, sending a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated.”
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