Parolee denied bail after trying to kill his lover

THOHOYANDOU – THE attempted murder case against Tendamudzimu Makhale (23), who was on parole when he was arrested for allegedly attacking his girlfriend with a panga, was postponed to April 2 by the Thohoyandou magistrate’s court for further investigation.

Makhale, who hails from Makwarela near Thohoyandou, appeared before court for a bail application last Monday, but bail was denied and he remains in custody.

He allegedly caught his girlfriend having sex with another man, after which he allegedly attacked her with a panga.

Makhale was released on parole in December. He was serving an eight year sentence for theft and robbery.

Before the court made its decision on whether to grant bail or not, Makhale was asked whether he would like to address the court on any mitigating circumstances he thought should be brought to its attention.

Makhale told the court that it was not his plan to assault or injure his girlfriend. He said everything was caused by anger after catching her having sex with another man.

“I took the panga and chopped at her hands four times while the young man fled. I later regretted what I had done and took her to hospital.

“Along the way, she apologised to me for disgracing the family. She also promised not to open a case against me as I was still on parole. But the police came and arrested me,” he said.

“What is shocking is that on the charge sheet the investigating officer added charges of robbery and theft of a cell phone.

“The truth is, I took my girlfriend’s cell phone to check her communication with men on the WhatsApp application.

“If I was a thief, I would have taken the man’s wallet that was on the table when I came across them having sex,” he said.

“Please grant me bail. I can afford R30 only. I know that the investigating officer had already sent wrong information to this court that I will be dangerous to the witnesses, but that is false.

I have learnt a lot in prison when I was serving my sentence,” he further said.

State Prosecutor, Phophi Makhera, said Makhale had a previous conviction for theft and robbery, and now he was back with an attempted murder case.

“He is a parolee and the conditions of his parole say he must not commit any crime. While he was on parole, he was arrested for theft and robbery.

“Now he is back with an attempted murder case. If granted bail, he might abandon the trial. The court should remember that it took five days for the police to find him as he was on the run. He knows where the witnesses live and he might intimidate them,” she said.

Magistrate, Richard Mathobo, said the state had a prima facie case against Makhale. He said Makhale was an unmarried man and had no children. He lived with his mother, sisters and grandchildren. He was self-employed and earned money irregularly.

“There is nothing exceptional. He can’t be granted bail,” Mathobo said.

The case continues.