Suicide bid after wife’s death

Dramatic phone call leads to husband’s arrest after body found in Walmer

APORT Elizabeth father of two was arrested after allegedly strangling his wife and later trying to kill himself. The body of Nondumiso Jama, 36, was found in her Airport Valley home in Walmer township at about 3pm on Sunday after her husband, Thembinkosi, 34, called his sister and allegedly confessed to the murder.

Before hanging up the phone, he threatened to kill himself.

Thembinkosi’s sister, Nomawethu Jama, 39, who lives in Motherwell, immediately notified the police.

Nomawethu said the couple had been happily married for about three years and had two children, aged 10 and 14.

Police found Jama’s body lying on the floor next to the bed. She had rope marks around her neck.

Police spokeswoman Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said police had to kick down the door to the house to gain entrance.

She said a rope was found inside the house and several open tablet bottles were scattered around the room.

“The body was found after the husband’s sister alerted the police.

“She [Nomawethu] claims to have received a panicked call from her brother who [allegedly] confessed to her over the phone.

“A suicide note from the husband was also found at the scene.” Janse van Rensburg said Thembinkosi was not at the house when the police arrived, but was arrested a few hours later.

“He was found hiding out at another house he frequented. It is believed he attempted to commit suicide before he was found.

“He was arrested and detained at the Walmer police station cells,” she said.

“While in custody on Sunday night, he complained he was not feeling well and an ambulance was sent to the police station where he was treated.”

Nomawethu, who is also the Motherwell Community Police Forum chairwoman, said she did not know what the motive was for the killing.

“I rushed there with the police but do not want to comment on the actual murder.

“The police must tell you about that. I really do not know the motive for this.

“I saw them often and really did not think there was a problem. They never mentioned anything to me.

“I was told by my other sister that he [Thembinkosi] did try to kill himself before calling me.

“While I was at his house, he called me again and told me where he was hiding.

“He knows that I work closely with the police and I took them straight to him.

“I did see a picture of the note he left, but I do not want to talk about it.”

Nomawethu said the families were still in shock.

“We really just can’t understand why he did this. He is currently in jail so we can’t ask him either.”

Janse van Rensburg said the motive for the murder and attempted suicide was still unknown.

Thembinkosi is due to appear in court today.

Jama was a domestic worker and her husband is unemployed.

‘ I saw them often and really did not think there was a problem. They never mentioned anything to me