Femicide reopens parents’ scars
Trial continues in Nthabiseng’s murder case
Reports of women being abducted and killed bring back painful memories for a Limpopo family whose teen daughter was also murdered last year.
The family of Nthabiseng Mosomane, 17, from Mapela outside Mokopane, who was killed last year, spoke to Sowetan ahead of their daughter’s alleged killers’ appearance in the Limpopo High Court today.
Nthabiseng was beheaded and her body dumped near her home.
Edward Raatji and his co-accused Stanley Mahlake were arrested in July last year. The two live close to the family.
Nthabiseng’s parents, Johannes and Nkele Mosomane, said they were still struggling to find closure after losing their daughter.
In their home, a large photograph of a smiling Nthabiseng in a yellow jacket is mounted on the wall.
She had gone missing for few days before her body was discovered, beheaded and burnt .
Police arrested Raatji and Mahlake who were allegedly found in possession of a human head wrapped in newspaper near the taxi rank in Polokwane’s city centre.
The authorities had received a tip-off about people selling body parts.
The head was later linked to Nthabiseng’s body through DNA tests.
Yesterday, Nkele said she was not able to listen to news reports about women being killed because it reminded her of how she lost her daughter.
In recent weeks, the gruesome murders of young women including Karabo Mokoena, Bongeka Phungula and her friend Popi Qwabe made headlines, causing an outcry over the safety of women in the country.
“When I hear another story like that I switch off the radio. I can’t stand it because it brings back the pain of losing my child,” Nkele said.
She said Nthabiseng, who was a Grade 10 pupil at the time, wanted to study art after matric because she was good at drawing.
Both parents said they were preparing to travel to Polokwane, 93km away from their village, to attend the trial.
“I want them to get the harshest sentence. My child would still be alive if it wasn't for them,” Nkele said.
“I don’t think I would want to see them walking free, it would be very painful for me.”
She said the family was also faced with having to attend two court cases.
Last year, Raatji and Mahlake’s case sparked anger in the Mapela area, resulting in both their homes being burnt.
Nkele said Nthabiseng’s older sister Dineo and her cousin were facing criminal charges for allegedly taking part in the burning of those houses.
Johanes said it would be hard for him in court today.
“Every time I see them my blood boils. They ruined our lives,” he said.
He described his daughter as a calm person who loved spending time at home watching TV after school.
He pointed towards a spot near the garage door in the yard where she loved to sit during the day.
Johanes said he could never have imagined his neighbours would harm his family.
He recalled how he last saw Nthabiseng on her way out to town.
He said he became concerned when she did not come home.
“It has been hard for us, but we are trying to move on. Even now as I sit here and see her picture on the wall, I’m reminded of what I lost.
“We hope the pain will go away eventually ... ” said Johanes.