A Pathologist who performed a postmortem on the body of Mahlompho Matela on the 18th September 2021, Dr. Lefatle Phakoana, on Thursday told the court that the deceased died due to traumatic internal bleeding.

When testifying in a case in which the husband of the deceased, Qamo Matela is charged with her murder, Dr. Phakoana stated that the deceased had multiple bruises on the chest, a blue eye as well as bruises and scratches on the neck. He indicated that he found a collection of blood in the head, chest cavity and the abdomen. He also indicated that there was laceration on the liver of the deceased.

During cross-examination, he pointed out that the internal bleeding on the deceased was specifically caused by an external force inflicted on the body. He emphasised that as a pathologist, he should look for signs as they are there without being told the history of the deceased.

He indicated that hitting one with fists, kicking and hitting against a wall can cause a blunt injury and internal bleeding. He added that an accident, a fight as well as being hit by a blunt object may cause blunt injury.