The High Court of South Africa: Western Cape Division has handed down a sentence of 25 years imprisonment to Abdul Salam for the murder of his wife, Miche Samuels.
The court found Salam guilty of viciously stabbing his wife while she was sitting in the driver’s seat of her car, in front of one of their minor children.
– Advertisement –
In its judgement, the court acknowledged the ongoing issue of gender-based violence and femicide in society. The court expressed the view that long-term imprisonment was an appropriate sentence, despite Salam’s lack of previous cases or convictions for violence.
State Advocate Rene Uys charged Salam with premeditated murder, arguing that he unlawfully and intentionally killed his wife and should be sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the court ultimately convicted Salam of murder, not premeditated murder.
The court heard that the couple’s marriage was characterised by arguments that often escalated into violence. On the day of the incident, they sought counselling at the Wynberg Police Station but left without a resolution. Later, while driving, an argument ensued, leading to a minor accident.
Salam claimed that he felt threatened by his wife and had seen a knife in her bag earlier. He alleged that she wanted to kill him, but he could not remember the details of the argument or the subsequent events. The court rejected his defence, stating that his conduct showed premeditation.
Despite the court’s decision not to convict Salam of premeditated murder, it emphasised the seriousness of the crime and the need to address gender-based violence and femicide.
– Advertisement –
The Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Nicolette Bell, welcomed the sentence and reaffirmed the commitment of the National Prosecuting Authority to combat these issues in the community.
The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the urgent need for society to address and prevent such acts.
– Advertisement –