The mayor of Musina Municipality, Cllr Caroline Mahasela, has urged couples with relationship problems to seek professional assistance instead of resorting to violence. She was addressing the family members of the late Winnie Mugubeli (37), who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend at Freedom Park settlement.

Winnie was stabbed at least eight times with a screwdriver and she died at her family house shortly after the attack. Her boyfriend, only known as Vincent, is in police custody.

Winnie’s mother, Ms Emily Lebipi, who allegedly tried to save her daughter from her attacker, was stabbed four times and she was recuperating at Messina Hospital at the time of going to press.

The mayor told family members that the Musina Municipality will not tolerate the widespread violence committed on innocent members of the community. "We strongly condemn this brutal act and we are only waiting for the justice department to do their job as the matter is now in the hands of the police. How many more people must die before everyone can realize that it is wrong to abuse community members, especially women and children? We know that the law will take its course, but we will never find someone to replace Winnie. People are our precious resources and we want them to live in peace and harmony. Those who do not have respect for human life deserve to rot in jail because there is no room for them in our peaceful community. What has befallen this family has really touched our hearts and that is why we have put everything aside to come and share the grief with them."

The mayor urged community members to consult professionals whenever they have marital problems. "Social workers, police officers, pastors and psychologists are always there and community members must consult them for assistance."

Representing the family of the deceased, Esther Tlou thanked the Musina Municipality for sharing the grief with her family. "We were downhearted and devastated but we now have the courage to go on with life because the visit has revived our broken souls. We know that we have lost our wonderful daughter and the apple of our eyes but through the support from the municipality, we now understand that life must go on. This has provided more courage to us because we now know that there are people who care out there."