The court sentenced Wayne Lawrence to life for killing Angela Marinus and attempting to murder their daughter, drawing attention to domestic violence.
Key Points:
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The court sentenced Wayne Lawrence to life imprisonment for murdering his ex-girlfriend and attempting to murder their daughter.
- Despite his conviction, Lawrence denied any involvement in the crime and claimed Marinus had abused him.
- The case underscores the ongoing challenges of protecting survivors of domestic violence despite legal interventions.
The court sentenced Wayne Lawrence to life imprisonment for murdering his ex-girlfriend, Angela Marinus. Also the attempted murder of their daughter. A domestic dispute in December 2017 caused him to shoot her in the foot.
The Crime and Sentencing
The Western Cape High Court convicted Lawrence in June 2022 on nine of the 12 charges he faced. It included murder, attempted murder, assault, pointing a firearm, reckless endangerment, and obstruction of justice. The court sentenced Lawrence to life in prison.
On December 11, 2017, a shooter shot Marinus, 38, at close range in the chin as she attempted to exit her vehicle in her parents’ driveway in Bishop Lavis. Her daughter was also injured in the foot by the same gunshot. Lawrence, who legally owned two firearms, including a Glock, admitted to sneaking onto the property where Marinus and their daughter were living. However, he denied planning the murder.
Denials and Defense Claims
Throughout the trial, Lawrence denied responsibility for the deaths and injuries. He argued that Marinus regularly abused him and had relationships with other men, including a co-worker at the time of the incident. Lawrence also denied that he had abused Marinus during their 22-year common-law relationship.
Despite his claims, the court found the evidence against Lawrence damning.
The Impact of Gender-Based Violence
Eric Ntabazalila, a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, emphasized the State’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence and femicide. Marinus had obtained an interim protection order against Lawrence in October 2017 for her safety and that of her daughter. However, Lawrence repeatedly violated the order, leading to continued abuse.
The case highlighted the challenges of protecting women and children from domestic violence, even when legal measures like protection orders are in place.
Judge’s Remarks and Public Outcry
Judge De Wet acknowledged the severe impact of domestic violence, noting that it cuts across socio-economic backgrounds and often goes unpunished. He emphasized the hidden, repetitive nature of domestic violence and its devastating effects on families.
Siyabulela Monakale, spokesperson for the anti-gender-based violence organization Ilitha Labantu, stressed the need for stronger enforcement of protection orders and better support systems for survivors of domestic violence.
This case has drawn attention to the urgent need for more proactive measures to protect survivors and prevent further tragedies.
