The family of a 29-year-old Kraaifontein mother is demanding justice after she was allegedly beaten to death by her boyfriend in a case that has left relatives heartbroken and renewed concerns about gender-based violence in South Africa.
Bonita Plaatjies, affectionately known as “Bonnie” or “Bon Bon,” was found dead last Friday at her boyfriend’s family home in Ndleleni Street, Wallacedene, Kraaifontein. The tragic incident has devastated her loved ones, who believe her death followed years of alleged abuse.
Her boyfriend, Marshall Fortuin, appeared in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of murder. The case was postponed until 27 July for a formal bail application. Plaatjies’ family says they will strongly oppose bail, insisting they want accountability for her death.
According to relatives, Bonita was the mother of three children, including a six-year-old child she shared with the accused. Following her death, the children are now being cared for by family members.
Bonita’s cousins claim the relationship had been abusive for a long time and say they repeatedly urged her to leave. They allege she often returned to the relationship despite their warnings, believing the abuse would eventually stop.
The family says they attended the court proceedings, where they heard details surrounding the events leading to Bonita’s death. According to their account, an argument allegedly broke out between the couple at the property where they were living in a separate structure behind Fortuin’s mother’s house.
Relatives claim Fortuin’s mother attempted to intervene during the alleged assault. They further allege that the following morning, Fortuin informed his mother that Bonita was not moving. When she went to check on her, Bonita was found unresponsive.
The family says they had witnessed signs of abuse on several occasions. They claim Bonita often had visible injuries after alleged assaults and describe the relationship as deeply toxic. Despite their efforts to convince her to stay away from her partner, they say she continued returning to him.
According to relatives, the couple had previously separated but reconciled earlier this year following the death of Bonita’s mother. They believe this difficult period contributed to her decision to reunite with Fortuin and allege that the abuse resumed soon afterward.
The family is also upset about how they learned of Bonita’s death. They say no one informed them directly, even though they live nearby. Instead, they only discovered what had happened after a relative went to collect the children’s SASSA cards and found police and emergency services at the scene.
Describing Bonita as a kind-hearted, cheerful person who loved making people laugh, her relatives say she will be remembered for her warm personality and caring nature rather than the circumstances of her death.
As the case continues through the courts, the family remains determined to seek justice. They hope the legal process will provide accountability while also highlighting the dangers of abusive relationships and the devastating impact of gender-based violence on families and communities.
Fortuin remains charged with murder, and his bail application is expected to be heard when the matter returns to court on 27 July. The charge remains an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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