A man who allegedly beat his girlfriend to death on Christmas Day has appeared in court facing a murder charge.

On Wednesday, Simphiwe Michael Duma (31) from Imbali Unit 14, stood in the dock in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court to face the consequences of his alleged actions.

He is charged with the murder of Ntombizodwa Langa (31). The state is against him being granted bail.

Throughout the proceedings, emotions ran high, with some people making remarks as the state read the affidavit presented by the investigating officer, Sergeant Mbhekiseni Ngcobo.

Ngcobo said the murder took place in the KwaNyamazane area.

Langa’s family member, Hlengiwe told The Witness they found her body at the Imbalenhle Clinic after being informed by someone close to Duma. She was badly injured.

“She had big open wounds as if she [had been] hacked with a sharp object in different parts of her body, including her head and legs. At the clinic they told us she was already dead when she was brought in,” she said.

The investigating officer told the court he is concerned that if Duma is released on bail, he may evade his trial due to the seriousness of case, knowing that if he is found guilty, he will serve a long period of imprisonment.

He added the state has a very strong case against Duma.

“The planning and execution of this murder was meticulous. He should not be released on bail, even if there are bail conditions.

“At present, the accused stays where he finds a place, usually with friends or a person that he can manipulate to give him a place to stay. I am of the view that the imposing of bail conditions prohibiting communication with the witnesses will not be effective as the accused’s conduct in dealing with the victim was intimidating and threatening,” he said.

Talking about the fact that he went to her house to ask for her, Ngcobo said, “They were in love and [their relationship has] a history of domestic violence. After a while, the accused made a call to ask for help to transport the deceased body after assaulting her badly.

“He was arrested at the clinic after he had opened a false case at the Plessislaer SAPS.

The investigation is incomplete, witness statements are outstanding, as well as the photo album.”

The investigating officer added that the release of Duma will undoubtedly undermine or jeopardise the public confidence in the criminal justice system.

Meanwhile, Duma said in his affidavit that he is not a flight risk and he will not interfere with the investigation or witnesses, who are his in-laws.

He said he is employed as a builder at a construction company and he supports his four minor children and his family.

“I intend to plead guilty. I will not interfere with the witnesses or the state’s case and I am not a flight risk. I will also not influence or intimidate the witnesses.

“I can afford bail of R1 000, which will be paid for with the assistance of my mother,” he said.

The family said they do not want him to be released on bail, because he might come after them, as he is a violent person.

The matter was postponed to January 12 for a bail hearing. He will remain in custody.