Man Confessed to Killing Ex-Girlfriend Under Investigation for Other Gender-Based Violence Crimes

Lazarus Lito Anthonio, a 26-year-old who has confessed to murdering his ex-girlfriend, is now under investigation by police for possible involvement in other cases of gender-based violence and femicide.

Authorities believe he may be responsible for the killing of additional women, raising serious concerns about a pattern of violent behaviour.

Anthonio appeared briefly before the Temba Magistrates’ Court in Hammanskraal on Friday, where he abandoned his bail application. He remains in custody and faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and contravening a protection order.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that Anthonio fatally stabbed his 20-year-old ex-girlfriend, Kgaogelo Marota, on 21 August 2025. The attack occurred at Dubai Tavern in Maubane Village, where Marota was socialising with a friend. This happened just days after a protection order was issued by the same court on 12 August 2025, barring Anthonio from abusing or approaching Marota.

NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the accused deliberately ignored the protection order.

“Despite the court’s clear directive to stay away from the victim, Anthonio tracked her down and committed this brutal act,” she said.

Following the murder, Anthonio allegedly returned to his residence and attempted to kill his current girlfriend, also 20 years old. She survived the attack and has been cooperating with investigators. The State has added the charge of contravening the protection order to Anthonio’s list of offences.

Law enforcement officials have now broadened the investigation to examine whether Anthonio may be connected to other unsolved cases involving violence against women.

“We are exploring all leads to determine if the accused is linked to additional femicides or gender-based violence cases in the area,” said a senior police official who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.

Gender-based violence and femicide remain serious challenges across South Africa, with recent statistics showing a rise in violent crimes targeting women. Protection orders, while intended to provide safety, are sometimes ignored, as this case tragically illustrates.

Activists and community leaders have expressed deep concern about the case, urging authorities to strengthen measures to protect vulnerable women.

“This is a heartbreaking reminder that more needs to be done to prevent violence against women and to enforce protection orders effectively,” said Thandiwe Mkhize, a local gender-based violence advocate.

The Temba Magistrates’ Court has postponed Anthonio’s case to 17 October 2025 to allow prosecutors and investigators to gather further evidence.

Anthonio’s decision to abandon his bail application means he will remain in custody while the case continues. The prosecution is expected to build a strong case based on his confession and the evidence collected so far.

This case highlights the urgent need for better protection mechanisms and community awareness in the fight against gender-based violence.

The public is asked to share any information they may have on the accused.

The Star

sifiso.mahlangu@inl.co.za