Samantha’s killer found guilty

Duduza – The Zungu family breathed a sigh of relief when the Pretoria High Court found their daughter’s killer Thamsanqa Somfaka found guilty of murder on Wednesday afternoon.

On August 13 last year, the 35-year-old assaulted his heavily pregnant girlfriend and mother of his two children with a stove poker.

During the trial, the court heard that Samantha Zungu arrived at the hospital bleeding from her nose, ears and mouth, and had sustained internal injuries. She was declared dead on her arrival at Pholosong Hospital.

On the day of the incident, it is alleged he demanded R500 from the children’s social grant. When she refused, he assaulted her.

He then told his neighbour, Zungu’s mother, police and nurses that he found her in bed in a pool of her blood with his cousin who fled the house upon his arrival.

The staff nurse, who was one of the witnesses, told the court that she was surprised to see Somfaka holding a plastic bag with Samantha’s clothes.

“When I questioned this, he told me that Samantha’s clothes were covered in blood so he wanted her to change into clean clothes he brought.

“When I further questioned him about the incident, he responded in an irritated and threatening tone that he will not be interrogated by a female nurse,” she explained.

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The court also heard that Somfaka gave the police his home address claiming that is where the killer, his cousin, lives.

On arrival at the address, police found the house covered in blood and there were no signs of a forced entry. The neighbours confirmed it was Somfaka’s residence and further provided the accused’s description.

During the sentencing, Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela described Somfaka as a dangerous man to society.

“Your details of the events don’t reflect that of someone who had just experienced a traumatic incident. You failed to call for help from your neighbours, close cousins or friends but sat with your cellphone in hand waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

“Your priority was to find fresh clothes to change the victim into before she was rushed to the hospital,” said Maumela.

Duduza police spokesperson Sergeant Harry Manaka confirmed Somfaka was out on parole for rape and assaulting his former girlfriend in May last year.

Margaret Zungu said she is happy that her daughter’s killer has been found guilty and is now hoping for a harsh sentence.

“His actions left two children without their parents. He was selfish and is a danger to them,” she said.

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