Action Society demands a thorough investigation into the conduct of the Bramley Police Station regarding the murder case of Abednego Mavuyangwa in March 2023.
According to eyewitness accounts, Abednego had a heated argument with his wife, Portia Matsena, which escalated when a neighbour, Patricia, sought assistance from her cousin, Walter Matsena. Upon arriving at the scene, Walter confronted Abednego and fired four shots at him, ending his life. After the incident, he also physically assaulted Portia.
In a further turn of events, Walter returned to the scene, accompanied by Warrant Officer Mayela from Bramley Police Station, who is in a relationship with Walter’s mother. They coerced Portia into opening a case against her deceased husband, falsely claiming self-defence. Portia refused to comply with their demands.
As a result, she was forcefully taken to Bramley Police Station in an apparent act of intimidation. Despite this intimidation, Portia stood firm in her decision not to file a case against her late husband. Walter was arrested but later released on bail of R2 000, and his firearm was returned to him. In the meantime, the critical evidence docket has mysteriously disappeared, making it impossible to conduct an autopsy and further investigate the case.
“The community of Alexandra, who had long suffered under the torment of Walter’s actions, has lost faith in the Bramley Police Station,” said Tshepi Mmekwa, Action Centre coordinator at Action Society. “Their repeated complaints against Walter had gone unanswered due to the alleged “cop for friends” scheme running within the station. Even though we do not condone the community’s further actions towards Matsena, we understand their frustration and why they took matters into their own hands.
“The circumstances surrounding this case are profoundly troubling and indicate a severe injustice towards the victim and his family.”
Action Society has taken up the mandate to pursue justice for Abednego Mavuyangwa.
