The court heard that the victim was walking home from a neighbouring tavern with her cousin and a friend in the early hours of Saturday, April 8 last year when the suspect, Ceasman Dala Chauke (29) who is also her child’s father, approached her to ask where she was coming from.

An argument ensued resulting in Chauke assaulting the victim. A friend ran to the victim’s residence to report the incident, leaving her cousin at the scene. The cousin tried to intervene, but the Chaue overpowered and assaulted her too.

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She left the victim with Chauke who continued to assault the victim using rocks among other things. He left her unconscious at the scene. The friend returned to the scene with the victim’s brother and found her lying on the ground in critical condition.

She was taken to the nearest hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The case was assigned to Sgt Shirandiwa Anastacia Vuma who arrested Chauke two days later at Jilongo village in Malamulele. He was later released on bail until he was found guilty on Thursday and sentenced to life in prison. The provincial commissioner of police, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has praised the investigating officer for his good work.