Court records show that the couple had been in a domestic relationship and were living together at the time of the incident.
On the evening of 21 December 2024, Morgan attended a social gathering in the Bushbuckridge area with her sister, where alcohol was consumed. The accused later arrived at the venue and insisted that Morgan leave with him, claiming he needed to retrieve personal items from her residence. When she refused, a confrontation ensued.
Witnesses told the court that Morgan was forcibly removed from the gathering and assaulted as she was taken away. Instead of heading to her home, the man diverted to his own residence. Morgan was later killed there.
In the early hours of the following day, the accused requested his brother-in-law to seek assistance so that Morgan could be transported to hospital. While the relative was away, Morgan was killed, and the accused fled the scene.
Her body was later discovered bearing visible injuries. Police were alerted, and investigations led to the arrest of the suspect several days later.
Although he denied responsibility, the court found him guilty based on compelling circumstantial evidence. Testimony presented during the trial revealed a pattern of abuse within the relationship. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Morgan died from asphyxiation caused by pressure applied to her neck.
During sentencing, the prosecution emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence-related killings and highlighted the brutality of the crime, as well as the absence of remorse shown by the offender. Statements submitted by Morgan’s family detailed the profound emotional and psychological impact of her death.
The court found no mitigating factors sufficient to warrant a lesser sentence and imposed life imprisonment. The offender was also declared unfit to own or possess a firearm.
Authorities described the outcome as a significant step in addressing gender-based violence and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice for victims and their families.
Witnesses told the court that Morgan was forcibly removed from the gathering and assaulted as she was taken away. Instead of heading to her home, the man diverted to his own residence. Morgan was later killed there.
In the early hours of the following day, the accused requested his brother-in-law to seek assistance so that Morgan could be transported to hospital. While the relative was away, Morgan was killed, and the accused fled the scene.
Her body was later discovered bearing visible injuries. Police were alerted, and investigations led to the arrest of the suspect several days later.
Although he denied responsibility, the court found him guilty based on compelling circumstantial evidence. Testimony presented during the trial revealed a pattern of abuse within the relationship. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Morgan died from asphyxiation caused by pressure applied to her neck.
During sentencing, the prosecution emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence-related killings and highlighted the brutality of the crime, as well as the absence of remorse shown by the offender. Statements submitted by Morgan’s family detailed the profound emotional and psychological impact of her death.
The court found no mitigating factors sufficient to warrant a lesser sentence and imposed life imprisonment. The offender was also declared unfit to own or possess a firearm.
Authorities described the outcome as a significant step in addressing gender-based violence and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice for victims and their families.
