By Masilo Malakwane
QWAQWA– The family of the late Mathuso Maria Fokane who was allegedly murdered by her husband on 08 August, want the state not to grant him bail.
Apollo Fokane’s (52), bail hearing was postponed from Thursday last week to Monday this week at Makwane Magistrate’s Court.
He is accused of fatally shooting his wife Mathuso Maria Fokane, the day before the country celebrated Women’s Day.
His eldest daughter Maditaba Fokane, asked the court not to grant her father bail as he is a dangerous person.
“We were devastated by our mother’s untimely passing. Our father had abused us countless times since our childhood. He should spend the rest of his life behind bars for the heinous act of taking our mother’s life,” said Maditaba.
Teboho Mbongo, brother of the late Mathuso, said his sister was not the first person to have been killed by the accused.
“The family had on numerous occasions made efforts to help the accused change his ways, but now he has killed my sister,” said Mbongo.
Members of the MAP 16 Civic Movement also came out in their numbers and gathered outside the Magistrates court, hoisting placards demanding that the accused be denied bail.
MAP 16 Central Committee Member, Mongezi Malaoane, said they’re going to show support to the family until justice prevails.
“We are appalled by such barbaric acts in our communities. We need to stand firm to ensure that we root out gender-based violence,” said Malaoane.
The deceased was laid to rest two weeks ago at her home village of Rockville, Makwane in QwaQwa.
