More than three years after the brutal murder of Dimpo Skelenge her murderer, Wiseman Ndara, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday 17 October in the Somerset West Regional Court.
Skelenge’s body was found on 7 September 2022. Ndara was her ex-boyfriend, and the case served to highlight the epidemic proportions of gender-based violence in South Africa, what with many silent protesters gathering regularly outside the Caledon Court determined to make as strong a message as possible, but also to support Skelenge’s family. (“Woman killed, man arrested”, Hermanus Times 14 September 2022; “Women’s lives matter”, Hermanus Times, 7 August 2024; “No closure yet for family”, Hermanus Times, 30 October 2024).
The case was initially heard at the Caledon Magistrates’ Court before transferring to the Somerset West Regional Court. After a long, drawn-out court case Skelenge’s family can at long last get closure, knowing justice has been served.
Hermanus Times spoke to Skelenge’s sister and anti-GBV ambassadors about the sentence handed down to Ndara. “Although Dimpo will not come back, we are finally going to get closure,” Babalwa Skelenge declared.
“My mother, Lydia, is also fine now, knowing justice has been served. We are very happy with the sentence; it’s been such a very long time. Although travelling from Zolani to Somerset West for court appearances was costly, we went every time.”
Mkhanyiseli Hlapezulu, a GBV ambassador from Zolani, said he was happy with the sentence. “That’s what we wanted. That’s what we fought for. Jesus answered our prayers. We are thankful that justice has been served.
“We are happy that this has now been resolved as this case has been dragging on for so long.” GBV ambassador Khanyisili Manyosi from Zolani.
“A life sentence could effectively mean 20-25 years in prison. He should stay there forever. 25 years is not going to bring Dimpo back, but nevertheless, at least now justice has been served and the family is also happy with the sentence.
“As GBV ambassadors we have been part of this case since the very beginning, and although travelling expenses were financially draining we didn’t have a problem moving from Caledon to Somerset West. That’s what we do, that’s our work.
“I think this will also be a lesson to those who commit GBV. There are still too many men doing this and they need to be educated about GBV. I am also very happy with the magistrate, who was very clear in her sentencing. Other perpetrators need to take heed of this.”
Tanya Bippert of One Billion Rising, who followed the proceedings from the beginning and regularly organised court support and silent protests against gender-based violence outside the Caledon court, stated: “More than three years after the murder of Dimpo justice has been served. The murderer, Wiseman Ndara, played the courts for time while her family prayed for justice.
“May Dimpo’s mother and family start healing and may they find some sort of closure. We will never forget you Dimpo. May your soul rest in peace.”
In a WhatsApp group dedicated to justice for Skelenge the following was written after the sentencing of Ndara: “As GBV ambassadors we continue to stand for every woman, man and child whose life was taken too soon. Let this be a reminder that justice delayed is not justice denied.”
