murder of kids
10 September 2007
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Sibusiso Ndebele has welcomed the sentencing
today (10 September 2007), in the Greytown Magistrate's Court in the
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, of a father who killed three of his children with an
axe.
Thirty-two-year-old Sthembiso Mathenjwa, who killed the children in Ngome
village, Umsinga on 1 September 2007, was sentenced to three life
sentences.
Mathenjwa was arrested on 2 September 2007. He appeared in the Greytown
Magistrate's Court and was remanded in custody until he appeared in court again
today (10 September 2007) where he pleaded guilty on all three counts of
murder.
The bodies of six-year-old Zamaswazi, three-year-old Bongukuphila and
one-year-old Thalente were found by their mother who had earlier fled the home
during an argument with Mathenjwa.
Premier Ndebele praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the
swift arrest of Mathenjwa. "We hope that this sentence will contribute towards
ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done."
"We also want to encourage a buy-in from men and boys to rid KwaZulu-Natal
of all its discriminatory ills. A standing Men's Forum must speak the loudest
when women, girls and children are abused by men. They must help us inculcate a
new culture which places women and children in their rightful place," the
Premier said.
Since the murders of the Mathenjwa Children, the Human Rights Component in
the Office of the Premier has provided assistance to the mother and surviving
child. Trauma counselling sessions have also been arranged.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
10 September 2007
