Livid residents want long jail time for man up for abuse

Limpopo residents and gender-based violence activists want authorities to deal harshly with a man accused of bludgeoning his girlfriend after keeping her alive in a locked room to avoid arrest.

- Masoka Dube

Josias Letsoalo from Mokgolobotho village in Tzaneen appeared briefly in the Nkowankowa magistrate's court and was remanded in custody.

The case was postponed to 6 November for further investigation and bail application.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in Limpopo Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said Letsoalo was facing an attempted murder charge with a possibility of adding more charges.

"The suspect went back to prison as he is waiting for his lawyer to come and assist him with his bail application."

Letsoalo is accused of assaulting his girlfriend, Desiree Letsoalo - they share a similar surname - and locking her up in his house.