She died in the hands of a man she loved and trusted. Palesa Matlamela (28)  from Lynhurst, east of Johannesburg, was murdered by her lover of more than five years early this week.Speaking to Zimoja her aunt,  Mmaphuthi Maboya, explains that Palesa's mother received a call from a doctor to rush to the hospital.
"My sister asked the doctor what was wrong and she explained that it was about Palesa. She then asked the doctor if Palesa was dead but was told to please come to the hospital," says Maboya.

COVERED IN BLOOD

Maboya adds that her sister could hear Palesa's boyfriend speaking in the background at the hospital.
"After she heard that man's voice, she just asked the doctor if  the boyfriend killed Palesa and the answer was a resounding, "Yes! Palesa has passed on."
When she got to the hospital, the boyfriend was leaving, Palesa was covered in blood and had bruises all over her body.
"We just knew that it was a result of being beaten up. Their relationship was very toxic and Palesa often had bruises and scars and would llie that she bumped into things but we knew she was protecting this monster."

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COVERING HER SCARS

Maboya says the deceased covered her scars by getting tattoos.
"Many times, we asked her to leave that relationship because one day she would come home in a body bag, but she never listened. We've lost a vibrant and bubbly child. I'm going to miss  her broad smile and welcoming nature."
Maboya says Palesa had dreams of becoming a teacher and had applied to a tertiary institution. She previously she studied law but did not complete her studies.     SAPS spokeswoman Colonel Dimakatso Sello confirmed that a murder case has been opened for further investigation.
"After being sought by the police, the suspect handed himself over on Tuesday morning at Edenvale SAPS," says Sello.