Murder accused faces outrage after court outburst in Thohoyandou
Murder accused Lawrence Madega sparked outrage with vulgar language during his court appearance; he faces six charges including two murders.
LIMPOPO – The relatives of two murder victims were left outraged when Lawrence Mashawana Madega (51), the accused in the case, used vulgar language during his court appearance in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court last Monday. The case was postponed to March 24, while awaiting a trial date in the high court.
Madega remains in custody. He faces six charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.
The case relates to the murder of the 15-year-old Mukondeleli Manala, whose naked body was discovered in a plantation near Khalavha in the Siloam policing area on November 12, a day after she was reported missing. Her body had stab wounds and injuries suggesting sexual assault.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba, preliminary investigations showed that the victim was last seen driving with the suspect on November 11. A search operation was activated, leading to the discovery of her body the following day.
The investigation also linked Madega to another murder case.
On September 25 last year, a woman was reportedly offered a lift by him while on her way to work in Thohoyandou. Instead of being taken to her destination, the victim was driven to the bushes in Thathe Vondo, where her burnt body was discovered by a passerby.
The Manala family spokesperson, Thivhulawi Netshivhodza, described the incident as devastating, saying Mukondeleli was a promising young girl excelling in her studies and actively participating in her church choir.
“This incident has left us depressed and heartbroken.
“Her brutal death has robbed us of a bright future. Hearing vulgar words in court only deepens our frustration as a family. Our loved ones, who were kidnapped and killed, will never return,” said Netshivhodza.
Outside the packed courtroom, angry residents from Khalavha and Tshikombani villages chanted demands for justice, insisting that Madega should not be granted bail.
During his initial court appearance on November 14, Madega requested legal aid and abandoned his bail application.
Ledwaba confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with additional charges pending. The police are committed to ensuring justice is served for both victims.
