The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Delmas has convicted and sentenced Vuleni Moses Gule (26) to 18 years of direct imprisonment for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Banele Promise Manana.

Manana died in hospital from blunt force trauma to her head. According to Regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Mpumalanga, Monica Nyuswa the couple lived together in Ext 22, eMbalenhe.

“The court heard that on the morning of November 3 last year, the couple was returning from a party where they had consumed alcohol. Gule confronted Manana, accusing her of flirting with another man.

“An argument ensued during which he assaulted and tripped her, causing her to hit her head against a brick wall before collapsing to the ground. He then continued to kick her in the head while she lay motionless,” said Nyuswa.

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Upon realising that she was unresponsive, Gule carried Manana home and called for an ambulance. Manana was later declared dead at the hospital. A post-mortem report confirmed that she died from blunt force trauma to the head. Police investigations led to Gule’s arrest shortly thereafter.

Gule pleaded guilty in court. He told the court that he had tried to resuscitate the deceased by pouring water on her when he realised that she was no longer breathing.

State Advocate Amos Mtsweni submitted a victim impact statement compiled by Manana’s mother, facilitated by court preparation officer Khethiwe Mathebula, detailing the deep psychological and emotional trauma the family continues to endure.

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Manana’s mother stated that she had discontinued counselling as she found no improvement and continues to struggle with the horrific memory of her daughter’s injuries.

“In delivering the sentence, the court found that there were substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence. Gule was sentenced to 18 years’ direct imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm.”

Nyuswa said this conviction serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic and gender-based violence.

“The NPA reiterates that the value of human life is immeasurable and remains steadfast in its commitment to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of GBVF to ensure justice for victims and to deter potential offenders,” conluded Nyuswa.