Flabba’s death puts back on the spotlight yet another GBV case
On 9 March, South Africans woke up to news reports from the media concerning the death of musician Nkululeko Habedi, also known as “Flabba”, a founding member of the hip hop group Skwatta Kamp. Based on several sources and news reports it is alleged that Habedi died in the hands of his intimate partner.
His death brings back the spotlight on the issues of gender based violence particularly intimate partner violence. During 16 Days of Activism in 2014 the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) used various fora or platforms to highlight the worrying and increasing numbers in intimate partner killings.
The Commission sends condolences to Habedi’s family and trust that they would find comfort during these trying times. As part of our Constitutional and Legal Mandate the Commission will be monitoring this case in ensuring that both the accused and the victims receive a fair trial. We call upon the supporters and fans of Habedi, aka “Flabba” to respect the rule of law and trust that the court will administer justice without bias and prejudice.
The Commission’s court monitoring processes of the Oscar Pistorious case has convinced us that a speedy conclusion of cases of gender based violence can be realised, and it is for this reason that we hope that the same occurs in the Habedi case; hence we encourage the public and family of Habedi to stay put and allow the law to take its course.
We once again implore South Africans to join hands as part of the 365 Days of Activism to continue raising awareness and advocating against the scourge of gender based violence. The Commission condemns any kind of gender based violence committed regardless of the gender of the person who commits it. We hope that people will start learning alternative ways of resolving conflicts as an ethos without resorting to violence.
Contact person:
Javu Baloyi
Cell: 083 579 3306
