By Slindile Mtshali
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pandemic not only in South Africa but around the world. It manifests as physical, emotional, and mental abuse in various ways. There have also been multiple attacks on women and children. GBV affects not only survivors but also their families.
Police Minister Beki Sele stated that statistics show a woman is murdered every four hours in South Africa, and 10,000 women are raped in three months, with 64% of those being raped by relatives and custodians, such as fathers, uncles, and even brothers. Recently, a 17-year-old girl named Paretha Marathi was in the 12th grade at Ntsako Secondary School in Soshanguve.
“She was raped and murdered after attending her extra class that afternoon. Her body was found next to Echibini Middle School. A community member in Soshanguve, who requested anonymity, expressed how painful it is for a child with a bright future to meet such a fate. The person urged for the death penalty to be reinstated or the perpetrator’s private celebrations to be stopped.
Another community member, Thando Mnguni, stated, “We live in fear. I hope the president takes action to keep us safe because the police have failed us so many times. It’s important to teach our children from an early age that we are equal.”
Click the link below to share Thand Mutembu’s perspective on the rise of gender-based violence.”
Amelia Mukabella, 24, was stabbed and poisoned by three men on June 2, 2023, at her Extension 8 Langaville residence when she went to the Ekhaya Shopping Center in Johannesburg. She was found and taken to Foroson Hospital, where she later passed away. The perpetrators have not been apprehended.
If anyone is in need of counseling, they can contact @rapecrisis_Capetown. Their helpline operates 24/7 at 021 447 9762.
