By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – The devastated family of Mapaseka Pascaline (Letsoenyo) Mkhonatsi, 41, who was brutally murdered allegedly by her husband, Thembi Nkosi Wally Mkhonatsi, 31in Riverside, say they are still grieving her tragic death.
This was shared during a touching funeral service on Saturday, 5 July, held at Bolata Village, and attended by relatives, community members, colleagues, and members of Kodi ya Malla, a praying women’s organisation.
The family says the son who found the lifeless body of his mother had to receive professional counselling following the horrific discovery of her body.
Mapaseka was found dead in her home in a bathtub, with an open stab wound on her head, on 20 June. A police investigation led to the arrest of her husband.
Family spokesperson Molefi Letsoenyo, who is also Mapaseka’s brother, described her as a loving, caring, and supportive person.
“She dearly and wholeheartedly loved her children, and her death left them traumatised, shocked and saddened — same as all of us,” Letsoenyo said.
He further explained that they had to take the eldest son for counselling. The husband is still in custody and is expected back in court on Tuesday, 8 July, to hear closing arguments regarding his application to be released on bail.
However, the state has opposed his release. Investigating officer Constable Detective Maseko took the stand during Mkhonatsi’s last appearance.
Maseko told the court that the accused admitted to her that he had first beaten the deceased with multiple fists after a fight broke out between them, though he did not say what they were really fighting about.
Opposing the accused’s release on bail, she submitted: “I fear for the safety of the deceased’s 23-year-old son. The accused lied about his pending criminal court case for driving under the influence of alcohol, and he is not remorseful.”
Maseko also told the court that her investigation revealed Mapaseka had tried to run away and hide in the bathroom, but was unsuccessful. Mkhonatsi allegedly caught her, stabbed her in the head, and then forced her into a bathtub full of water.
