Domestic violence is a dark reality that persists behind closed doors, leaving many individuals, especially women and children, trapped in a cycle of fear, pain and despair. It’s devastating impact leaves deep scars on its victims, affecting their physical and mental well-being, and often leading to long term trauma. Justice was served on a man who in a fit of rage in October 2021, he set alight his ex-girlfriend’s house leaving two dead.
On 17 October 2021 at about 00:22, Boetietjie Buswa (31) went to his ex-girlfriend’s house in Blikkiesdorp in Kamesh and set the house alight while they were sleeping. Six people were in the house at the time. Some managed to escape when they broke down the door. Sadly, when Mathumzi Elvis Tee (37) went back into the house to rescue, Azabeluncedo Madikana (3), they were engulfed by the flames and burned to death.
The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident by SAPS Kabega Park. He was charged with two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, arson and contravention of a protection order. He remained in custody until the duration of his trial.
On Friday, 27 July 2023, he was found guilty and sentenced in the Gqeberha High Court. He was sentenced to two life terms imprisonment for murder, attempted murder (four counts): 10 years’ imprisonment, arson: 8 years’ and contravention of a protection order: 5 years’. The attempted murder, arson and contravention of a protection order will run concurrent with the two life sentences.
Nelson Mandela District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata welcomed the sentencing and commended the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Benjamin Van Wyk and the prosecuting authority for ensuring that perpetrators of domestic violence are handed down deserving sentences. ‘Domestic violence is not a private matter; it is a grave violation of human rights. There is no justification for violence within the home and we must challenge the harmful beliefs that condone such behaviour. Sentences such as this, sends out a clear warning that the vulnerable will be protected as we strive to create a community where domestic violence becomes a thing of the past,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.