National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed the matter appeared Tuesday for formal bail application. FILE
A Lutzville man accused of beating his partner to death with a broom has abandoned his bail bid.
Elizabeth McGregor, 53, was allegedly beaten to death on January 13 by her 62-year-old partner, Joseph Goliath, at their Uitkyk Farm home in Koekenaap, Lutzville.
According to reports, after assaulting her, the suspect reportedly left the victim on the bedroom floor and went to sleep in another room before later proceeding to clean the room in which the murder scene occurred. He had also allegedly changed his clothing before attempting to leave the farm home.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed the matter appeared Tuesday for formal bail application.
“The accused abandoned bail. The matter was postponed for further investigations as the postmortem report and DNA report is still outstanding,” said Ntabazalila.
Goliath will appear again on March 6.
Speaking outside court, Anti GBV organisation founder at Matzikama Broken Angels, Bianca du Toit, said they were happy that the bail application was abandoned at the Lutzville Periodical Court.
“We are happy that the accused has abandoned his bail application as it indicates he won’t waste the court’s time. We are pleased that he won’t hold up the process for long.
“We will ensure that justice is served for Elizabeth,” said Du Toit.
Ilitha Labantu spokesperson, Siyabulela Monakali, said: “This incident is a stark reminder of the persistent crisis of intimate partner violence in South Africa, which continues to devastate families and communities. Our thoughts are with Elizabeth's children, her family, and the Koekenaap community as they grapple with this senseless loss.”
“The circumstances surrounding this case are deeply troubling. The alleged use of a broom as a weapon, the abandonment of the victim overnight, and the reported attempts to conceal evidence reflect the severity of the violence women endure in intimate relationships. ”
Ubuntu founder, Wendy Pekeur said: “We have seen many killings and rapes of women and children since 16 days (of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign). It escalated during the festive season up to now,” said Pekeur.
Pekeur called on “all of society” to collaborate in the fight against GBV.
Cape Times
Related Topics: