THE heartbreaking funeral of a 43-year-old woman who was held hostage before being horrifically murdered by her husband was laid to rest on Sunday, 1 October.
Friends, family, colleagues and villagers were gathered at Mandela Park Village, QwaQwa, in the Free State to pay their last respects to a woman brutally murdered in a violent hostage at gunpoint following her differences with her husband on Tuesday, 26 September.
Daily Sun published an article titled Hubby holds wife hostage for more than 10 hours on Thursday, 26 September.
Police spokesman Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the standoff continued throughout the night when the cops suddenly heard two gunshots coming from the house.
"Special Task Force members mobilised and tactically entered the house. They managed to rescue the two relatives. After gaining entry, the cops discovered the wounded husband on the floor and his wife in a pool of blood," Kareli said.
The mother of four children was described as a person who always thought of a better life for her kids.
Her untimely death found her working in a well-known club near her village.
The incident left villagers with unforgettable trauma.
"A few hours before the hostage, the husband was seen violently beating the deceased and pushing her into the house. The police called for mediation but couldn't solve the problem. The police negotiators patiently tried to engage with the husband, which led to the release of two relatives unharmed. We have been there with the police hoping the situation would change, unaware tragedy was on the way," said a 58-year-old village member.
Ward Councillor Moses Moloi told the Daily Sun many people have been gunned down in the village since January.
Moloi said a massive prayer session was held on Friday, 29 September, to end evil spirits in their village.
However, Patric Alliance national spokesman Steve Motale disputed the claims against police that they failed to protect the slain woman.
Motale said the situation was complex for police to conquer.
"Instead of criticising the police, we must compliment them for rescuing the two relatives. The police were patient enough in their attempt to protect lives. "They deployed all their resources, which shows their ability and intention to save lives. We also call on our pastors and social workers to assist our communities with professional counselling," he said
It is not clear when the husband will be laid to rest.
