Former soldier claims no memory of shooting wife
THE FORMER South African Defence Force (SANDF) member accused of killing his wife at the Boitumelo Jwa Sechaba Guesthouse in Kimberley, yesterday claimed he had no recollection of shooting Shelley Mamogale, 27, in February 2012.
However, as his cross-examination continued in the Northern Cape High Court, John “Thapelo” Mamogale acknowledged being in the deceased’s room, gun in hand, as her body lay lifeless on the floor.
During his testimony, Mamogale claimed to have been with his wife in her guest house room along with his mother-in-law and a man he suspected of having a relationship with his wife, to discuss claims of infidelity.
At his previous court appearance in December 2015, Mamogale testified to having had a heated argument with his wife regarding a suspicious number he had found on her cellphone.
As State Advocate Theunis Barnard yesterday continued his cross-examination, the former SANDF member reiterated that he could not remember fetching the R4 rifle from the boot of his car, nor shooting Shelley.
“We had had similar problems in the past which my wife and I resolved,” said Mamogale. “I thought we could resolve this.
“When I came to my senses, I remember that I had the gun in my mouth. The deceased was on the ground.
“I wanted to shoot myself because I was in shock. One minute you are in a room with four people and the next there are just two of you and one is dead.”
Mamogale added that he was not sure of the precise sequence of events but said that at some point he had phoned a friend, whom he had previously approached for advice regarding personal problems, and told him that he thought he may have shot his wife.
“I started thinking about what had happened because it was just the two of us and I had a gun, I called him (the friend) and told him I shot her.”
He further refuted statements made by his Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) that, on the scene, he had confessed to shooting his wife.
However, Barnard questioned the plausibility of Mamogale’s testimony, saying it appeared as if the accused was well aware of his actions throughout the incident.
“I put it to you that you knew exactly what you had done,” said Barnard. “You knew you shot her and you knew she was dead.”
Barnard pointed out that the RSM had stated that Mamogale had told him that the deceased had been trying to make her way to the door when he opened fire, while an employee at the guest house claimed to have heard two shots followed by a gap of some 20 minutes, before the third shot was heard.
“He (the guest house employee) said that before the third shot, a male voice was heard saying goodbye,” Barnard said.
He added that an autopsy had found abrasions on the deceased’s body which had been inflicted prior to the incident.
“I put it to you that you are just claiming not to remember for your convenience.
“You planned to get the gun, kill her and then yourself. Your behaviour that whole day was planned and rational and that includes the fetching of the gun and the shooting. You were composed during the entire incident.”