Details prior to Karabo Mokoena’s death emerge

Karabo Mokoena spent her last birthday alive in hospital‚ nursing wounds allegedly inflicted on her by her boyfriend.

Her on and off boyfriend, Sandile Mantsoe murdered her a month later.

According to Karabo’s sister, they had tried to get a hold of her on her birthday and were unsuccessful. The following morning, she informed them she was at the Morningside hospital.

Bontle‚ who was testifying in Mantsoe’s trial‚ said she rushed to the hospital to find her sister with a bruised eye‚ shoulder and leg. Karabo told her that Sandile had smashed her phone.

The court was shown pictures of Karabo’s bruises‚ which she had sent to her sister and mother following the assault.

“The relationship was fine. I’m not sure when it started to change‚” said Bontle‚ who said Karabo had shared that at times‚ Sandile would address her in an unpleasant manner. “But one thing I know is that Karabo would do anything for Sandile‚ anything‚” said Bontle.

Karabo’s charred remains were found in a ditch in Lyndhurst in April last year. She had been doused with petrol and pool acid with a tyre placed around her before she was set alight.

The trial is ongoing.