A tragic incident that led to the death of Nelly Coldetia Voyiya, has ended with a life sentence for her husband, Poyisa Gilbert Voyiya, a 46-year-old man from Klarinet. He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of a 36-year-old Nelly.

The incident occurred on April 19, 2022, at Woltemade Street when Poyisa chased his wife’s vehicle, causing her to crash into a streetlight. He then brutally stabbed her multiple times in the upper body. Poyisa then got inside his car, fled the scene, leaving his wife lying helplessly in a pool of blood. Nelly was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she unfortunately passed away later.

Poyisa handed himself to the police in Standerton later on the day.

Poyisa pleaded guilty to the charge of premeditated murder and alleged that he was mentally unstable by the time of the incident, but the court had to determine his fitness to stand trial. After a psychiatric evaluation, he was found fit to stand trial.

The couple had a child together and was busy divorcing.

Sonja Ntuli, Director of Public Prosecutions in Mpumalanga, commented on Poyisa’s life imprisonment sentence, “This sentence reaffirms our unwavering commitment to combating GBVF in our society. The brutal murder of Nelly is a stark and painful reminder of the devastating toll GBVF takes on families, especially children. That her life was taken by her husband, the father of their child, is both tragic and unacceptable.”

The NPA has welcomed the life sentence, viewing it as a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against GBVF. The NPA has emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society.

“This conviction demonstrates the courts’ willingness to impose the harshest sentences on those who violate the rights and dignity of women. Our thoughts remain with the deceased’s family, particularly the young child left behind, a child who will now grow up without a mother due to this senseless act of violence,” said the NPA Regional Spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa.

“As the prosecuting authority, we remain resolute in using every legal mechanism at our disposal to uphold justice and protect the most vulnerable in our society,” she added.

The NPA is pleading with the communities to unite in condemning GBVF, to report incidents of abuse, and to support efforts that seek to eliminate violence against women and children.

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