Department of Justice calls for collective action to fight Femicide
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development notes with sadness the death of Ms Sheila Mosidi Kopanye, Ms Kopanye is a departmental employee who was tragically stabbed to death last Friday.
The suspect in this matter is alleged to be a former intimate partner of Kopanye, who has since handed himself over to the police. The Department tenders its heartfelt condolences to Kopanye’s family during this difficult time.
Kopanye’s death adds to the increasing number of cases of women whose lives have been sadly cut short during this unacceptable endemic scourge of intimate femicide.
The Department, alongside various stakeholders, has been leading a number of programmes with the aim of combating domestic violence and responding to the increasing number of incidents of intimate femicide.
Justice and Correctional Services, Minister Michael Masutha, also announced during his budget vote, earlier this month, an impending review of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 which aims to, among other things, introduce harsher sentences for offenses relating to domestic violence and femicide.
The Department calls on men in our communities to lead in this battle to protect women from violence and calls on all members of society to assist in reporting abuse and violence against women.
Enquiries:
Steve Mahlangu
Cell: 079 878 7587
E-mail: mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za
