Mantsoe guilty verdict welcomed

The high level of femicide is evidence that South African men are at war with women, the Economic Freedom Fighters said yesterday, as it welcomed the guilty verdict in the trial of Karabo Mokoena’s killer, Sandile Mantsoe.

“We welcome this verdict as a step in the right direction towards finding justice for the high level of femicide facing our country,” the party said.

“South African men are at war against women. A woman in our country, including the girl child, lives in permanent fear of sexual assault, rape and brutal murder, often by someone they know intimately.

“The case of Karabo Mokoena gives confidence that justice can indeed be served. This is a step forward in dealing with violent, patriarchal and misogynistic masculinity as many cases never get resolved.

“As a result, many women have given up approaching the police about the abusive and violent conditions they live under.”

Judge Peet Johnson found Mantsoe guilty on charges of murder, assault with the intention to do grievous bodily harm and defeating the ends of justice.

Mantsoe, 28, had pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Mokoena was 22 at the time of her death in April last year.

Mantsoe faced a charge of defeating the ends of justice for disposing of Mokoena’s body by burning it with petrol and an acid-doused tyre, and discarding her remains in a ditch on Corlett Drive, near Sandton.

Mantsoe, through his legal representative, denied killing her and claimed he disposed of her body after returning home to find she had committed suicide. He opted not to testify after the state wrapped up its case on Monday.

Mantsoe is a married father of three. He and his wife are estranged. Sentencing proceedings start today. – ANA