Department of Women dismayed at case brought against Mr Thulani Ngcobo (Pitch Black Afro)
The Department of Women has been closely following reports on the murder case brought against Mr Thulani Ngcobo, commonly known as Pitch Black Afro.
The department wishes to express its concern that Mr Ngcobo’s popularity is being touted by his fans as plausible grounds for bail to be granted in this case. The department commends the courts in applying strict measures in ensuring conditions of bail are met before this case can be heard in front of a judge, and is satisfied with the decision to have Mr Ngcobo remain in custody until his case is heard.
The charges brought against Mr Ngcobo are extremely serious. Charges of premeditated murder as well as defeating the ends of justice are common occurrence in our courts brought against perpetrators of gender based violence.
“We are following this case because we want to see how our justice system applies the law in cases of gender based violence. We know that women are being murdered by their partners every day. We want to see justice served in this case, as it has sparked media attention due to the popularity of the person being charged,” said Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women, Bathabile Dlamini. Minister Dlamini said that South Africans must stand up for Ms Catherine Modisane, Mr Ngcobo’s wife, who was brutally murdered in December 2018.
The department recently launched its Gender Based Violence Robots which aim to raise awareness to healthy relationships, relationships at risk, and relationships in which the partner is in danger. These robots allow both women and men to assess their relationships to ensure their own safety.
The department is deeply disturbed by the silent war being raged on South African women and young girls. As a country we are seeing an increase in the number of cases being brought to our attention through the media of high profile individuals involved in gender based violence. These cases are just a drop in the ocean compared to the over-70 000 cases of sexual assault, rape, and femicide reported in the 2016/2017 year by Statistics South Africa (latest verified statistics). The department believes this number to be much higher.
The department calls on all South Africans to speak out against gender based violence and to support those who report gender based violence (#HearMeToo).
Important numbers to note:
- Police: 10111
- Stop Gender Violence: 0800 150 150
- Gender Based Violence Command Centre: 0800 428 428
- Childline: 0800 055 555
Media enquiries may be forwarded to:
Shalen Gajadhar
Cell: 072 359 2470
E-mail: shalen.gajadhar@women.gov.za
