Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities Ms Lulu Xingwana has urged women in abusive relationships not to withdraw cases of abuse but to allow the law to take its course. This comes after a woman was killed in Soweto allegedly by a live-in partner who, according to her family, she had reported and withdrawn cases against him three times.
Minister Xingwana, accompanied by Deputy Health Minister Gwen Ramokgopa, visited the family of Moji Tsekedi in Soweto today. The family told the Ministers that Tsekeldi is believed to have been murdered by her partner on Sunday May 15 after an argument at their backroom shack in Jabavu, Soweto.
According to the family, she was not seen for four days while her partner went to work and returned to their home during these days. On Thursday May 19, her body was found in the shack with several wounds, including cuts on wrists and ankles and her eyes removed. The partner never returned home on this day and has since disappeared.
Minister Xingwana appealed to all women in abusive relationship to use the available legislation including the Domestic Violence Act to get restraining orders, to report cases of abuse and to allow the law to take its course.
“We also call on the police to intensify the investigation of this case and ensure that the murderer is apprehended and face the full might of the law. We have to tighten our law to ensure that people involved these types of cases do not get bail or parole,” Minister Xingwana said during the visit.
The family expressed its concern to the Ministers that an 18-month old son of the couple was taken away by the father before the murder and his whereabouts is unknown.
“We appeal to anyone who may have information about this case and about Moji’s child to contact the police and assist in the resolution of this case,” said Minister Xingwana.
Anyone with information can contact Warrant Officer Mzazi of Moroka Police Station on 011 527 0072/527 0000.
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