By Staff Reporter
RAMOTSHINYADI- A 35-year-old man, Delvy Malatji, appeared in court today after being charged with the murder of his ex-wife, Masodi Portia Mashao (35), in a tragic incident that has shocked the Ramotshinyadi community.
The fatal shooting occurred on Monday, 19 August 2024, at approximately 19:00, when Malatji went to Mashao’s parental home.
According to reports, Mashao was at a neighbor’s house when Malatji approached her and, in a fit of rage, fired seven bullets, killing her instantly.
The couple, who had separated, reportedly had ongoing disputes, with Mashao refusing to reconcile with Malatji. Sources close to the situation revealed that Malatji had previously threatened to kill Mashao if she did not return to his home.
The incident has left the community in mourning, especially as Mashao leaves behind three children—aged 16, 12, and 5—who must now cope with the loss of their mother under such traumatic circumstances.
Following the shooting, Malatji fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by the police at Lekhwareni Village later that evening. He was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, believed to have been used in the murder.
Malatji made his initial appearance before the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 22 August, where he faced charges of murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.
He was remanded in custody and appeared again today at the Kgapane Magistrate’s Court. The court case has been postponed to 18 October 2024, to allow for further investigation.
The brutal nature of the crime has sparked outrage within the local community. Residents from Ramotshinyadi, Wally, and Nyakelani have organized transport to Kgapane to attend the court proceedings, demanding justice for Mashao.
The case has drawn attention to the persistent issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, with many calling for harsher penalties for perpetrators and better protection for victims. As the investigation continues, the community remains united in their pursuit of justice for Masodi Portia Mashao.
