Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Girlfriend Over Spent Lobola Money

Security guard handed life sentence after brutally murdering girlfriend over lobola savings

Sentenced to life: In another case highlighting the tragic consequences of gender-based violence, the Johannesburg High Court has sentenced Louis Serenetra Moyo, a 49-year-old undocumented Zimbabwean national, to life in prison for the brutal murder of his partner, Thobile Grace Khoza. The tragic incident occurred after Moyo discovered that Khoza had spent the R15,000 he had been saving in her bank account to pay lobola, or bride price, for her.

Background of the Case

Moyo and Khoza had been cohabiting since 2020, with Moyo’s earnings as a security guard paid into Khoza’s bank account. Since Moyo was undocumented in South Africa, he could not open a bank account himself and relied on Khoza to manage his finances. When he decided to marry Khoza, he continued to use her account to save money for the traditional lobola payment.

The Tragic Incident

Moyo discovered that Khoza had spent the R15,000 he had saved. In a fit of rage, he attacked her, using various objects and ultimately stabbing her, leaving her to bleed to death. After the fatal assault, Moyo locked the room and fled, taking Khoza’s bank card, ID, and cell phone. Khoza’s decomposed body was discovered by her landlord three days later, who had been alerted by a foul odour and flies near her room.

Trial and Sentencing

During his trial, Moyo pleaded guilty to murder, admitting that he had acted in a rage and that his actions were premeditated. Judge Dario Dosio, who presided over the case, denounced Moyo’s actions, citing them as a stark example of gender-based violence (GBV) that has become prevalent in South Africa. Judge Dosio underscored the judiciary’s responsibility to impose harsher penalties on perpetrators of GBV to deter future incidents.

In addition to life imprisonment for Khoza’s murder, Moyo received an extra six months for residing in South Africa unlawfully.

Statement from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)

Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), expressed the NPA’s commitment to seeking justice for victims of intimate partner violence and supporting preventive measures to mitigate GBV. “This case serves as a reminder of the urgent need for support services and early intervention to prevent further tragedies stemming from intimate partner violence,” she said.

Gender-Based Violence Crisis in South Africa

South Africa faces a significant GBV crisis, with statistics revealing that many women are victimized by those closest to them. This case illustrates the urgent need for intervention programs to address intimate partner violence and for ongoing public awareness about the issue.

The life sentence handed down to Moyo serves as a strong message in the fight against GBV and highlights the South African judiciary’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims. This tragic story emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to provide early support and intervention to prevent violence in domestic and intimate relationships.

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