The Mpumalanga High Court has sentenced Vermando Vincent Chowe, 44, for the murder of his girlfriend, Soneni Dudu Mashaba.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Chowe and Mashaba were in an intimate relationship. On December 7, 2022, an argument broke out between the couple in their bedroom in the Hazyview area.

NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa revealed that the altercation started when Chowe wanted to engage in sexual intercourse, but Mashaba refused.

“He left the bedroom and later returned with a knife he had sharpened earlier in the day. He then attacked and fatally stabbed Mashaba in the neck in front of her two young children,” said Nyuswa.

The post-mortem confirmed that Mashaba died from a deep, penetrating wound to the neck.

No Remorse Shown

In court, Chowe pleaded not guilty and showed no remorse for his actions. During sentencing, the State emphasized the need for courts to deliver strong messages against gender-based violence and femicide.

“Gender-based violence is a scourge that must not be tolerated. The courts have a duty to protect the dignity and freedom of all women,” said Nyuswa.

The NPA welcomed the sentencing, which coincided with the global 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

“Every successful prosecution represents the culmination of months or years of meticulous investigative and prosecutorial work, exemplifying hundreds of similar cases prosecuted successfully daily,” the NPA added.

Broader Context of Gender-Based Violence

The case highlights the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in South Africa. A recent Human Sciences Research Council report revealed that over 44% of men expect their partners to comply with their sexual demands.

The tragic murder of Mashaba underscores the urgent need to address these harmful attitudes and strengthen efforts to protect women and children from violence.