The family of a woman who was allegedly strangled by her husband said they would never accept the cruel death of their beloved family member, because it hurts them.

Family representative Patrick Netshimbupfe told hundreds of mourners during the funeral service at Tswera village, outside Hamakuya, on Saturday: "We are very angry here today. We do not want to pretend to the communities that we have accepted this death because it was unwarranted. Only time will ease our pain. Although we know that the law will take its own course, we seriously condemn the way she died because she will never come back. We believe that a harsh sentence will be imposed on the perpetrator."

The death of Julia Mutendeleki (34) has sent shock waves through the local community and her husband, Ntshavheni Mudau (38), is behind bars. Ntshavheni is facing a murder charge and he briefly appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s court recently. His case was postponed to January 3 for further hearing and a bail application.

During the funeral, Cllr Mmbengeni Musalafu of the Thulamela Municipality said the escalating violence against women and children is of great concern to every community member. He urged community members not to resort to murder when solving family problems. "This is the first time that an event of this nature takes place in this area. I also grew up here and it used to be a peaceful place. It will take time for us to forget but we have put our faith in the justice system to do its job."

Pastor Humbulani Ragimana of the Pentecostal Faith Church said: "You will never be able to solve any problem creatively if you do not ask wisdom from God. If you are led by evil spirits, you will only add more problems by solving your difficulties with murder. In life, we also come across mountains and we must seek professional advice whenever we are depressed. We are very saddened by this death because no one is allowed to take someone’s life away."