Kimberley - The man accused of killing his former girlfriend and mother of his child with an assegaai, Shadrack Boikanyo, allegedly threatened the deceased’s lover, who was afraid of him, as well as other members of the community.
This was the testimony of Clive Xozwa, the lover of 27-year-old Lerato Olifant, who was allegedly murdered by Boikanyo on March 8 last year.
Called to the witness stand in the Northern Cape High Court on Wednesday, Xozwa emphasised the fact that he was physically smaller than Boikanyo and confirmed that he was afraid of the accused in response to questions posed to him by State legal representative Kenny Kgatwe.
“I received a phone call from Shadrack about an hour after the incident had taken place. He asked me who he was speaking to and I lied and said it was Lucky (a friend).
“He said he was coming back for Xozwa’. I lied about who I was, because I was afraid ... look at that man’s body and look at my body,” Xozwa said.
According to Boikanyo’s legal representative, Ferdie Van Heerden, the accused will testify that Olifant had assured him that there was absolutely nothing going on between herself and Xozwa.
Van Heerden submitted that, according to the accused, Olifant had told Boikanyo that he should not judge her on her past and rather focus on the positives in their relationship.
Further evidence was presented that Boikanyo had allegedly not only threatened Xozwa but also other members of the community.
Gloria Mothibi, who lives opposite Lucky’s house, said she saw Olifant being pulled from the house and into a vehicle.
“I was sweeping when I saw this man (Boikanyo) pull a woman into the car. He went to the other side of the car, got inside and just as he was about to start the car, the girl ran into Oom Noel’s yard.
“I could see this girl and Oom Noel talking about something and he held her hand.
“The man then drove to Oom Noel’s house, stopped his car and took something out of the boot.
“The woman ran into the house when she saw him approaching her with the weapon in his hand.
“The man pushed Oom Noel to the side, using great force, causing him to fall on the ground.
“I ran to help Oom Noel up as he is an elderly man and also to find out what was happening.
“I helped Oom Noel up and approached the house, when this man came out of the house with his clothing covered in blood. He uttered, I’m finished with her’.
“I asked him why he was doing this in another person’s house but he walked away without saying anything.
“As he approached the gate, he looked back at the crowd (that had gathered) and said, I’m coming back, I am not finished with you guys yet’,” Mothibi said.
Mothibi further testified that she could see that Boikanyo was completely aware of what he was doing and that he was in his rightful state of mind.
“He looked very angry and also looked like he was aware of what he was doing.
“Firstly, he was driving a car, which requires concentration in order to control it.
“Secondly, there were people at the house when he fetched Olifant. Why did he not hurt the other people?
“Lastly, why didn’t he hurt Oom Noel when he bumped into him at the gate?
“It is clear that he was aware of what he was doing,” Mothibi said.
The case continues today.
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