By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

A man (24) was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for malicious damage to property and assault GBH. Edward Emmauel Gideon Mastas went on a rampage  on 3 November  2021, when he accompanied  a victim (45) to town. Mastas bullied her to go sign and marry him at the Department of Home Affairs.  

The victim refused and the accused strangled her.  The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the victim escaped the ordeal and went home to Roodepan, where she met up with her daughter and her aunt (51).

“The accused arrived at the victim’s place of residence with the intention to collect his clothes. The accused was afforded entry into the house. Once the accused was inside the house, he went on a rampage by taking a knife in the kitchen and stabbing the aunt several times with the knife.

“He then broke the shanty windows and burned the victim’s clothes. The police attended the complaint and arrested the accused, who was hiding underneath the bed. On 5 November 2021, the accused appeared in court and was sent for 30-day psychiatric evaluations,” he said. 

Shemane further said Mastas was found to be fit to stand trial. He added that the Northern Cape Police Management applauded Detective Constable Noma Senye of Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for the thorough and meticulous investigation. 

“The police encourage the victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) to take safety tips into consideration when experiencing domestic violence. They should avoid confrontations in rooms with only one exit. 

“Avoid rooms that contain many potential weapons such as kitchens. They should always carry a list of emergency numbers. Make sure that family members and friends are in possession of a copy of the protection order and warrant of arrest,” said Shemane. 

He said they should also keep money in a safe place for taxi or bus fare in case of an emergency. Shemane said they were also advised to keep an extra set of keys for the house or car. 

“The victim must have a set of clothes for the children packed in a bag and keep it in a safe place. For example, at the neighbour’s house. Victim advised to leave when the partner is not around if they are planning to. 

“They should take the children with them and must make sure they are in possession of all essential documents such as the identification documents, medical cards, savings and credit cards,” he said. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

A man (24) was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for malicious damage to property and assault GBH. Edward Emmauel Gideon Mastas went on a rampage  on 3 November  2021, when he accompanied  a victim (45) to town. Mastas bullied her to go sign and marry him at the Department of Home Affairs.  

The victim refused and the accused strangled her.  The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the victim escaped the ordeal and went home to Roodepan, where she met up with her daughter and her aunt (51).

“The accused arrived at the victim’s place of residence with the intention to collect his clothes. The accused was afforded entry into the house. Once the accused was inside the house, he went on a rampage by taking a knife in the kitchen and stabbing the aunt several times with the knife.

“He then broke the shanty windows and burned the victim’s clothes. The police attended the complaint and arrested the accused, who was hiding underneath the bed. On 5 November 2021, the accused appeared in court and was sent for 30-day psychiatric evaluations,” he said. 

Shemane further said Mastas was found to be fit to stand trial. He added that the Northern Cape Police Management applauded Detective Constable Noma Senye of Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for the thorough and meticulous investigation. 

“The police encourage the victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) to take safety tips into consideration when experiencing domestic violence. They should avoid confrontations in rooms with only one exit. 

“Avoid rooms that contain many potential weapons such as kitchens. They should always carry a list of emergency numbers. Make sure that family members and friends are in possession of a copy of the protection order and warrant of arrest,” said Shemane. 

He said they should also keep money in a safe place for taxi or bus fare in case of an emergency. Shemane said they were also advised to keep an extra set of keys for the house or car. 

“The victim must have a set of clothes for the children packed in a bag and keep it in a safe place. For example, at the neighbour’s house. Victim advised to leave when the partner is not around if they are planning to. 

“They should take the children with them and must make sure they are in possession of all essential documents such as the identification documents, medical cards, savings and credit cards,” he said. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com