Durban - The Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court heard on Wednesday of a vicious acid attack carried out during Women’s Month that consigned a young Imbali woman to an agonising death.
The State on Wednesday opposed bail being granted to a man who allegedly poured battery acid on the face and neck of his former girlfriend, a Lifeline counsellor.
Siphiwe Mbanjwa is charged with the murder of Thulile Phungula at her home in Imbali on August 21.
He has denied being responsible for the murder.
Warrant Officer Kwazi Mntungwa told the court that on the night of the murder, Phungula told her mother she was going to sleep. She then took her 3-year-old child to the outside room they stayed in.
A while later, there was a knock on the mother’s door. It was Phungula. She had severe injuries to her neck and face and was holding her trousers in her hand. She said Mbanjwa had tried to kill her.
She was taken to Edendale Hospital where she died.
The doctor said she had also told him that Mbanjwa had tried to kill her. He said she had been strangled and an acid-like substance had been poured on to her face and neck.
“Her private parts were also burnt.”
Mntungwa said cellphone records had placed Mbanjwa at the scene. He opposed bail.
“This is a very serious matter. It happened during Women’s Month - in August - when it was said there must be no violence against women and children.”
He added that public peace would also be disturbed if he were to be released on bail. People wanted revenge and they would harm him. There was also a memorandum signed by many people saying he must not be granted bail.
Mbanjwa testified that he was the father of five children whom he supported. He was a truck driver, earning R6 500 a month. He also ran a tavern from his home, from which he made R9 000 a month, and a shop, from which he made R2 000.
He estimated the businesses to be worth R1.2 million. He also had a double-cab bakkie valued at R300 000.
Argument is to take place next week.
The Mercury