Mabaso had protection orders against her killer, say neighbours

While neighbours of a woman who was killed along with her son by her fugitive boyfriend live in fear, it has now emerged that the deceased was previously granted protection orders against her would-be killer.

Sandra Mabaso's neighbours, who have fled their homes in Protea Glen, Soweto, after the double murder case was opened against Lerato Sefekedi, fear that the suspect who is still in the loose might come back for them as they could be called to be potential witnesses once the matter goes to court.

Sefekedi is wanted for the murder of his partner Mabaso and their six-year-old son.

The suspect allegedly stabbed Mabaso then locked her in the bedroom with their son before setting the house on fire. The incident occurred on Sunday morning following a quarrel between the two lovers.

Mabaso was confirmed dead at the scene while the child died in hospital from burn wounds hours later.

According to people close to this matter, Sefekedi is married to another woman in Protea. His wife declined to be interviewed but confirmed to know the suspect and having children with him. 

Sources close to the Sefekedi and Mabaso affairs said the pair had a toxic relationship marred with violence, according to Mabaso's neighbours, whose identity cannot be mentioned as they fear for their safety.

“Lerato [Sefekedi] is a violent man. Two months ago he fought with Sandra [Mabaso] and he tried to burn her house with petrol. Nobody knew that he will repeat the same act and leave two people dead. I am shocked and scared of this man,” said the neighbour.

Another neighbour alleges that Mabaso, 41, reported some of the abuse to the police.

But days after the police had intervened, the couple rekindled their love and Sefekedi could be seen revisiting Mabaso’s house on regular basis, according to neighbours.

“Sandra [Mabaso] had countless protection orders against Lerato. Many in the community knew about their toxic affair but we turned a blind eye. It hurts to know that we could have saved the two lives [Mabaso and her son] if we had reacted early. The suspect has not been arrested days after the murder. Who knows what he is planning next?” asked one of the neighbours.

Mabaso’s family declined to comment when approached, saying they don’t want to jeopardise ongoing police investigations.

But the grieving family confirmed that both the mother and child will be buried on Saturday.

Police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Sello said police are still searching for Sefekedi, who worked as a  scholar transport operator. 

“Unfortunately, I can’t give a lot of details about this case at this stage. Police are still searching for the suspect. We can only confirm that there is a warrant of arrest issued for the suspect in relation to the recent double murder case. Investigations are still ongoing on this matter,” said Sello when asked to verify claims that the deceased had protection orders against her lover.

The motive for the killing is not yet known.

Protea Glen community leaders are calling for an immediate arrest.

“As society we are failing the Mabaso family because the suspect is mentioned and some claim to have seen him recently in different parts of Soweto. We call upon members of the public to work with the police to bring this man to book. He has robbed two innocent people their precious lives,” said Protea Glen Divine Intervention Chaplain Niko Sithole.

nzimandeb@sowetan.co.za