By OBAKENG MAJE
The Economic Freedom Fighters(EFF) in the North West welcomed the postponement of a murder case against ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Sibusiso Kula.
A 34-year-old accused briefly appeared at the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection of his wife, Jennifer Motlhomi’s murder. The case was postponed until 27 January 2023 for a formal bail application.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in North West, Henry Mamothame said, the state intends to oppose bail, owing to the seriousness of the matter.
“The police report reveals that Kula’s wife was found murdered on 27 November 2022, in what seemed like a robbery. Motlhomi (31) 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 accused, who indicated that he was not at the house when the incident occurred. Following thorough investigations by the police, the accused was linked to the alleged murder,” Mamothame said.
He further said, Kula was then arrested on 20 January 2023 and charged with murder. Mamothame added, the police investigations are still underway and Kula will remain in police custody until his next court appearance.
The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Maema said: “It has come to our dismay that, Kula has since locked his children in the house and denied them education since the commencement of the academic year 2023.
“This horrific and ruthless manner in which children of the victim are being treated by the same father accused of the murder of their mother, coupled with the long-standing expressions of pain and suffering of Gender-Based Violence(GBV) by the victim on social media prior to her cold-hearted murder, point to something much bigger and it is on this basis that we are saying ‘NO BAIL FOR KULA’.”
Maema said, it is quite clear that the ANC is handling this matter with kid gloves. He said, there is no clear action from the party, despite the proof that Kula has trampled on the social fabric and fundamental rights espoused by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa by refusing his children to attend school, learn and interact with society at large.
“Furthermore, we alert the police and the prosecution team not to sleep on the job because, at this juncture, Jennifer’s loved ones and other witnesses are most vulnerable and need protection.
“Above and beyond, we wish to see the police and prosecution team do due diligence to this case because Jennifer’s family has already suffered a great loss and the ongoing legal proceedings have a tremendous bearing on their purse as they travel from outside Orkney,” said Mema.
He said, they will ensure that Jennifer’s children are granted a school transfer and receive the necessary support together with their family. Maema said the EFF’s GBV Desk in the province, will proceed with the picketing outside Orkney Magistrate Court on 27 January 2023.
“We remain firm to a heartfelt call for the end of women and children abuse, femicide, and infanticide,” he said.
The Guardian 