A devastated family is seeking justice for a woman who was brutally stabbed 25 times allegedly by her partner in a horrific case of gender-based-violence (GBV).
The victim, 50-year-old Ntombekhaya Galo, is currently fighting for her life in the intensive care unit (ICU) at St Mary’s Hospital in Mthatha following the brutal attack on March 2, 2025.
Department of Correctional Service officer Kakuhle Mpongoma has been charged with attempted murder and is expected to appear in the Mthatha Magistrate's Court on Tuesday morning for a formal bail application.
As she battles critical injuries, her loved ones are calling for swift legal action against the perpetrator, demanding his bail application to be denied and stronger measures to protect GBV survivors.
It is alleged that on the night of the incident Galo had been asleep with her two minor children, aged four and nine, and her domestic worker when tragedy struck.
It is alleged Mpongoma knocked aggressively on the victim’s bedroom window, demanding her to open the door.
Speaking to IOL, the victim’s daughter, Axolile Galo, expressed deep anguish over her mother’s condition, calling for authorities to act swiftly in holding the perpetrator accountable as they do not feel safe anymore.
“I am deeply hurt seeing my mom in that state, I have anger and hatred inside me, seeing my mom with multiple knife wounds,” said Axolile.
“The severity of the attack, with over 20 wounds, has left us shaken and fearful for our safety.
Furthermore, Kakuhle’s threatening statement, saying ‘Ndizobuya ndizonigqibezela’[translation:I will come back and finish you off] has only intensified our concerns.” she added
She said the children had been counselled.
“As the Galo family, we are seeking justice for the heinous crime committed against our mother by Kakuhle Mpongoma.
''In light of the coming bail application on Tuesday, we strongly oppose bail being granted."
The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, Landiwe Tulile Sikhinzi issued a statement condemning the violence against women and advocating for the implementation of laws that protect women's rights and hold perpetrators accountable.
"The ANCWL strongly condemns this merciless abuse of women. We further emphasize our call and firm position to all authorities and courts of our land to impose the heaviest punishment to all perpetrators of gender-based-violence against women."
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