By Victor Mukwevho and Elmon Tshikhudo
A suspect in two cases of kidnapping and murder elicited the ire of family members and friends of the deceased when he allegedly made vulgar gestures at them during his appearance in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Monday afternoon. Lawrence Mashawana Madega (51) of Tshikombani made a brief appearance in court, where his case was postponed to 24 March while awaiting a trial date in the High Court. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping, possession of an illegal firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.
Madega allegedly kidnapped and murdered Mafeladzulo Dzulani on 25 September 2023. In an effort to conceal evidence, he is accused of burning her body. On 12 November last year, he allegedly kidnapped 15-year-old Mukondeleli Manala. She was allegedly raped before being stabbed to death with a sharp object. Her body was later dumped in the Khalavha forest.
Family members of one of the victims, Mukondeleli Manala, attended Monday's court case but were shocked when Madega allegedly showed them a middle finger while in court.
Family spokesperson Mr Thivhulawi Netshivhodza said the accused had turned to look at the family and smiled before making the rude gesture. "It looks like he is very happy about what he did to our daughter. He is not remorseful at all. As law-abiding citizens, we rely on the justice system to do its job, and we are also praying for divine intervention in this matter. His actions irritated us to another level," he said.
Madega's actions caused an uproar, and court orderlies had to be called in to restore peace.
In an interview with Limpopo Mirror outside court, the distraught mother of the late Hulisani Mafeladzulo, Ms Thivhakoni Mafeladzulo, expressed her shock and disgust over the suspect's conduct. "This guy has no idea of the pain we are going through as a family. He [allegedly] killed our loved one and has the audacity to mock us this way. He looks like someone who is very happy and having a good time in jail, while we spend sleepless nights thinking of our loved one. This is very painful," she said.
Ms Mafeladzulo said she hoped the case would be dealt with quickly and that justice would be served. She added that she was not happy with the way the case has been handled so far. "It is almost two years since the incident occurred. You will not believe it if I tell you we have not yet been given the official DNA test results. The only ones we have are from our private coroner," she said. She also complained that the items found at the scene where her daughter's remains were discovered have not been handed over to the family.
One of the community members who were protesting outside the court premises, Mrs Anna Maandamela, said they would do everything legally possible to ensure the suspect rotted in jail. "As community members of Khalavha village, we are very angered by the accused's antics in court. We have lost a young girl from whom we expected a lot, but the suspect has the audacity to act as if he has killed an animal. We are going back to the village to report to those who are not here, and we will take it from there," she said.