Woman brutally murdered for flirting: Boyfriend sentenced to 18 years in jail
Banele Promise Manana was beaten to death by her boyfriend, Vuleni Moses Gule, who accused her of flirting at a party. Gule has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Image: Phill Magakoe
A Mpumalanga man who brutally killed his girlfriend after accusing her of flirting with another man at a party has been sentenced to 18 years’ direct imprisonment.
The High Court in Mpumalanga, sitting in Delmas, convicted 26-year-old Vuleni Moses Gule of the murder of his girlfriend, Banele Promise Manana, following a violent altercation at his home in Embalenhle Extension 22, on 3 November 2024.
The court heard that the couple had been returning from a party where they had consumed alcohol when Gule accused Manana of flirting with another man. An argument broke out, during which Gule assaulted her, tripped her, and caused her to hit her head against a brick wall.
Even after she collapsed, Gule continued to kick her in the head while she lay motionless. Realising she was unresponsive, he carried her home and called for an ambulance. Manana was later declared dead at the hospital.
A post-mortem report confirmed that she died from blunt force trauma to the head.
Gule pleaded guilty under Section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act, telling the court he had tried to resuscitate Manana by pouring water on her when he realised she was not breathing.
During sentencing, State Advocate Amos Mtsweni submitted a victim impact statement compiled by Manana’s mother, facilitated by court preparation officer Khethiwe Mathebula, describing the emotional devastation the family continues to endure. Her mother said she had discontinued counselling because she found no relief and continues to struggle with the horrific memory of her daughter’s injuries.
The court found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence and sentenced Gule to 18 years’ direct imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Mpumalanga spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Monica Nyuswa welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a strong message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated.
“This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic disputes that turn violent,” said Nyuswa.
“The NPA remains committed to ensuring that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable. The value of human life is immeasurable, and we will continue to fight for justice on behalf of victims and their families.”
The NPA said the conviction should serve as a reminder of the devastating impact of gender-based violence and the need for communities to take a stand against it.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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