The ANCWL's branch secretary of ward 29, Kabelo Fihla, tells OFM News that Dimakatso's husband, Mackenzie Ratselane, should be handed a heavy sentence. Fihla and scores of ANCWL members picketed outside the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court where Mackenzie made his first court appearance on Thursday. They held placards which called for the death penalty to be brought back. Fihla says as women they have held various marches to raise their concerns and also made their voices heard against the gender-based violence (GVB) against women but all has fallen on deaf ears.

"We want to show the judiciary that we are not satisfied with what happened, so we said the death sentence must be brought back," Fihla adds. Mackenzie has been remanded in custody until 23 February 2021 for a formal bail hearing. He is expected to be slapped with more charges as the state continues with its investigations into the matter.

The alleged culprit was arrested on Tuesday morning in Gauteng after being on the run since Wednesday last week following the attack on Dimakatso.

Dimakatso was found lying in a pool of blood near a popular tavern in Caleb Motshabi, known as Dinaweng, in the early morning hours of Thursday. She was rushed to Pelonomi Netcare Hospital after friends and residents called the police to the scene. It is believed that the two quarrelled on their way to fetch their kids at Phase 2 in Bloemfontein.

Mackenzie is facing four charges, including attempted murder, kidnapping, the possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. Mackenzie, who was wearing a navy blue t-shirt and khaki-coloured pants appeared calm in Courtroom 20.

OFM News