The families of seven women who were lured with job promises and then murdered were enraged as they came face to face with their loved ones' alleged killer on Monday.
Themba Prince William Dube appeared in the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane whose public gallery was packed with relatives and friends of the women whose bodies were discovered dumped in different locations, including Polokwane and Seshego in 2021.
Dube’s trial was however postponed to January 23 after the defence requested more time to deliberate with the state on key issues pertaining to the case. He is facing seven charges of rape and kidnapping as well as one charge for contravening the Immigration Act. State believes Dube, a Zimbabwean national, is in SA illegally.
Among those in court was Anna Ramatsimela whose sister Sarah Mothiba, 42, is among the murder victims.
Ramatsimela said seeing Dube at court broke her heart.
“When I saw him I was disgusted, thinking of what he did to my sister. I still want to know why he killed her and the others,” she said.
Mothiba’s phone was apparently the link that implicated Dube in her murder after it was allegedly found in his possession, leading to his arrest.
Ratsimila reflected on the last morning they saw the mother of two, who depended on odd domestic jobs to survive. “She was in a cheerful mood. Little did we know that we would never see her again. It still hurts us and we want justice for Sarah.”
The remains of the other women were discovered within weeks after Dube was arrested in connection with Mothiba’s murder.
Sarina Masia, 51, said her sister Khomotso Makhura’s two children were still struggling to come to terms with their mother’s death.
“It’s emotional for us to see him looking healthy and relaxed after what he did. It's hard for the kids because they were used to having their mother around,” Masia said.
Other victims include Lesotho national Molebogeng Mothibeli, 34, Sanah Sinyatsi, 34, Zimbabwean national Chisimango Gumbo, 48, Andrea Cholo, 25, and Jane Letswalo, 42.
mahopoz@sowetan.co.za
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