A Phoenix man has appeared in court after his wife was stabbed several times following an alleged domestic dispute at their home in Caneside.
The 31-year-old woman died while running to a friend’s house for help on Wednesday last week.
Her husband, 38, appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Friday and was charged with murder.
A family friend who wished to remain anonymous said that according to witnesses the couple had been arguing since the morning.
“(The husband) had left home and returned later that day… The couple continued to argue well into the night. (The wife) became angry and went to a police officer who lived in the area for help.
She was accompanied by her sister. The women were told to go home and an officer will come to assist them. (She) and her sister sat outside waiting for the officer. After a while her sister decided to go to bed.”
The friend said when the sister left the arguing continued.
“(The husband) called (her) into the house saying he wanted to talk to her, but instead pulled out a knife and stabbed her four times. When she screamed he fled and her sister came running to her aid. The sister ran to my house for help and (the wife), in her wounded state, followed. Before I could assist she died at my gate,” she said.
“We have been friends for many years and I warned her about his behaviour. She was a wonderful, loving person who did not deserve to die this way. We want justice and he must pay for his actions.”
Police spokesman Major Thulani Zwane said:
“During the argument the accused pulled out a small knife stabbing her twice (in) her face and twice (in) the back.
“The suspect fled the scene leaving the victim bleeding profusely.
Phoenix police apprehended and arrested the suspect. He was then detained and charged with murder.”
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, condemned the killing:
“We will ensure that we present a thoroughly-prepared docket so that the culprit can face the consequences for his actions.”