Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) have left lasting scars in the usually quiet community of Tunda in the Nkomazi region following the gruesome murder of a female police officer, Sergeant Vuyisile Joyce Ngomane.

Ngomane (43) was fatally stabbed, allegedly by her husband, Sipho Difference Ngomane (48), at her home in Tunda Trust near Tonga at around 18:00 on Tuesday, December 2.

Her murder coincided with the ongoing 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which started on November 25 and ends today, December 10.

According to www.gov.co.za, the campaign is an initiative of the United Nations.

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This year’s theme is ‘Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.’ It is anchored in the Positive Masculinity Dialogue hosted alongside the G20 ministerial meeting, building on G20 outcomes relevant to GBVF.

Mpumalanga News understands that police officers were conducting routine patrols when community members alerted them to a domestic violence incident at a nearby residence.

“Upon approaching the premises, officers encountered a man holding a knife. They disarmed him and entered the home, where they discovered Vuyisile’s body bearing multiple stab wounds,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

“Sipho was arrested and has been charged with murder. The knife was confiscated and will form part of the investigation.”

He briefly appeared in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court on Friday and was remanded in custody pending his court appearance for a bail application on Tuesday, December 9. He had not yet appeared at the time of publication.

Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi expressed deep sadness and strongly condemned the senseless murder.

This loss of life is a severe one for the SAPS. We send our condolences to the victim’s family. It is concerning that incidents of this nature continue to take place during the 16 Days of Activism campaign. We are adamant that the suspect will face the full might of the law,” he said.

Vuyisile’s funeral took place in Tunda Trust on Sunday, December 7.

The Calcutta police are also investigating a case of attempted murder and conducting an inquest following yet another GBVF-related incident that occurred next to a crèche in Mkhuhlu at around 20:55 on December 2.

“According to a report, police were informed about the incident and upon arrival found that a 19-year-old woman had been shot. She was still alive and taken to a nearby hospital. A male suspect (20) was also found lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to the head. He was certified dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel,” said Mdhluli.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, but domestic violence cannot be ruled out, as the preliminary investigation suggests the woman was shot by a man known to her. A firearm was seized from the scene, and will form part of the SAPS investigation.