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former ANCYL leader Patrick Wisani will know his fate when Justice Mohamed Ismail hands down judgement in the Yeoville sjambok and broom stick murder case.

Wisani is accused of beating his intimate partner, Nosipho Mandleleni, to death in September 2015. He also faces charges of allegedly assaulting his late partner’s twin sister, Siphokazi, and her friend in May 2016, in an apparent attempt to intimidate Siphokazi into not testifying against him.

Despite the very real threats to their own safety, three women – Nosipho’s twin sister Siphokazi included – have bravely given evidence for the state against Wisani. The accused, who conducted his own defence, attempted to intimidate them and discredit their testimony, suggesting that they, the police and everyone else involved, were all in a conspiracy against him. But they stuck to their stories, refusing to be frightened into withdrawing from the case. The Yeoville Bellevue No to GBV! Coalition honours them for their courage.

The trial today will be attended by representatives from a range of civil society organisations, including POWA, Sonke Gender Justice, Awethu!, Justice and Peace, Lawyers for Human Rights, the Inner City Women’s Forum and others.

Issued by Sonke Gender Justice