North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has called for an intensified effort to fight the scourge of gender-based violence. This follows the alleged beating of a woman to death by her 33- year old boyfriend who later turned a gun on himself at Nkaneng Informal settlement near Marikana on Saturday.
“We wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the callous act and call on men who are experiencing pressure in their personal relationships to seek counselling and professional advice instead of resorting to violence,” Premier Mahumapelo said.
In conveying condolence to the families that lost their loved ones in the incident, Mahumapelo called on real men to stand up to be counted in the fight against the scourge of gender based violence which he said transcends class and race.
He said that the strike which has cost mining companies about R20.4 billion in revenue and R9, 1 billion in lost earnings for employees has impacted negatively on the economy and might also be putting families and personal relationships under severe pressure.
According to police, the man allegedly beat his girlfriend to death with an iron rod at the informal settlement's Sangoma section in the early hours of Saturday.
Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said that the woman was found dead in one of the shacks.
“The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene. Police launched a manhunt with the assistance of the community after being informed that the suspect was hiding in the area,” Colonel Mokgwabone said.
“The suspect shot and killed himself on arrival of the police at the shack where he was hiding.” Mokgwabone said the motive of the incident was unknown at this stage but it seemed to be a domestic dispute.
“The case is not linked to the current mine strike in the platinum belt. Investigation into the matter continues,” he said.
Members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) at Lonmin, Impala and Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) have been on strike since January 23 demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500.
They rejected the companies' offer that would bring their cash remuneration to R12 500 by July 2017.
The strike now on its 129th day, has been marred by violence and intimidation.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
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