Well-known Limpopo comedian Ntambudzeni Rasendedza, popularly known as Bundu Tshikondoni in the entertainment industry, will spend ten years behind bars after being sentenced by the Sibasa Regional Court in Thohoyandou,Limpopo. Bundu (40) from Lwamomondo village was sentenced after he was convicted of attempted murder, kidnapping and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

HE TORTURED HER

In August 2019, Bundu assaulted his girlfriend Tshifhiwa Nedididi (29) with a wooden stick and an electric cable. He further dripped burning plastic all over her body and locked her inside his house for two weeks where Tshifhiwa was forced to relieve herself inside a bucket as Bundu didn't want her to be seen by anyone. In the second incident also in the same year ,after being granted bail for assaulting Tshifhiwa, the couple were coming from a party when he hit her with a stone and broke her leg. After breaking her leg, Bundu tore her clothes and left her naked on the street. Bundu pleaded not guilty on all charges and told the court that the victim burned herself and further fell and broke her leg.

NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK TO HER PARENTS ALONE

Tshifhiwa was in a relationship with Bundu for more than three years and throughout the years she says she suffered abuse both physically and emotionally.She was not allowed to have friends or greet anyone including relatives. When she visited her parent's house she was not allowed to go inside the house or speak to her mother alone. He has since been in prison awaiting trial in connection with the matter.

JUSTICE SERVED

The victim's father Godfrey Nedididi says though it took two years for justice to prevail, they are glad the man who claimed to love their daughter but treated her like trash will finally pay for his sins. "We feel that the sentence will send a strong warning to others who feel they are above the law," he said. Tshifhiwa said she was also relieved that she won't have to come across Bundu for years and she believes this will help her heal. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said they remain steadfast in vigorously prosecuting Gender Based Violence cases.