KANYAMAZANE – Nonjabulo Nkosi’s near-death experience at the hands of her ex-boyfriend still haunts her two years later.
After being stabbed eight times, Nkosi begged her lover not to end her life. Despite her ordeal, her ex-boyfriend, Slindile Lario Sithole walked free, leaving Nkosi still seeking justice.
She says she had endured physical abuse when her partner started using substances months after their relationship started.
On Friday, February 21, Nkosi reflected on her traumatic experience in a Facebook post that garnered over 1,300 shares, 678 comments, and 2,200 reactions. Her post read, “Ngyaniva Nitsi We Should learn to Forgive and Forget, How do you forgive muntu lowakwenta so in front of Your kids Seningamane nitsi I’m Cold hearted I hold grudges Mara Angakahambi Acula bo Happy birthday Emingcwabeni Ngeke ngicole.”
READ | Provincial Government declares war on GBVF
Although the post trended, some social media users distorted the truth and mocked Nkosi’s post. Mpumalanga Mirror conducted an exclusive interview with her, reliving the fateful day when she begged her ex-boyfriend not to kill her.
“He started assaulting me outside the toilets at a local primary school,” Nkosi recounted. “I was walking with our children. He first stopped at my place and asked to accompany me to the shopping complex to withdraw money for the kids. He claimed someone sent him a pin through Facebook and asked to log in using my phone to retrieve the pin.”
Nkosi explained that she dressed the kids, and they headed out, taking a shortcut to the shopping complex. “When we reached the toilets, he told me not to say a word or scream because he was about to do something. He told the kids to go play, but my boy sensed something was amiss.”
READ | “Stiff sentences must be handed down to GBV accused” – Mashatile
The argument escalated, and Sithole started stabbing her. “I was screaming and crying, and I asked him not to kill me. He said he wanted to start with me and then kill the kids afterwards. I told my five-year-old boy to go seek help at a nearby car wash.”
Nkosi sustained eight stab wounds and was rushed to Kanyamazane Clinic. A passerby called the police when she heard Nkosi screaming. The police arrived as a mob assaulted Nkosi’s ex-boyfriend.
Nkosi received medical treatment and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. She is now due for surgery in May to address head injuries. “I have recovered from the stab wounds, but I can never erase what that man did to me. I ask myself how he walks away scot-free after I opened a case of attempted murder against him.”
Nkosi expressed frustration that she had never set foot in court, yet her ex-boyfriend appeared, admitted to the crime, and was released. “It just doesn’t make sense, and I want to close this chapter by seeing him behind bars, ensuring he doesn’t harm other women.”
