PAULA Mqoma’s boyfriend allegedly struck her with a full beer bottle on the head and assaulted her with other objects.
It is alleged that instead of taking her to hospital, the boyfriend kept her in their shack to take care of her and her condition worsened.
Her neighbours from Marikana in KwaThema, who heard her screaming days before, became worried and demanded to see her on Friday night, 30 September.
But the boyfriend allegedly refused and they forced their way in.
They said they were shocked to see the dying Paula (46) on the bed, who was unable to speak.
They called an ambulance and she was taken to hospital.
Paula’s mum Ellen Mbonani (65) was then informed that she was in hospital.
The family said on Sunday, 2 October, residents grabbed the boyfriend and beat him before handing him over to police. That day, Paula sadly died.
Her distraught mum Ellen said although her daughter was in pain and struggling to speak, she allegedly managed to whisper that her boyfriend assaulted her.
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“My daughter was a jolly person who never spoke about her problems, and we don’t know what led to her being assaulted.
“She cared for me more than herself. I’m so heartbroken,” she said.
Paula’s friend, Zandile Jiyane (44), said Paula was someone who loved and cared for people, and wasn’t a jealous person.
“I’m sad that she had to die this way. We are told the boyfriend bought her adult nappies, pretending Paula has been sick and was taking care of her, but he knew what he did,” said Zandile.
On Monday, residents in KwaThema extension 2 held a candlelight service to remember Paula.
Brian Sithole of One Strong Voice Foundation said they were saddened by the loss of another woman.
A murder case has opened at KwaThema cop shop. The suspect appeared in court on Monday, and the case has been postponed to 10 October.
