Deputy Minister Letsike and Boshielo visit the crime scene where the lifeless body of the 14-year-old girl was found mutilated. The teenager was reported missing by her family over the weekend when she did not return home on Saturday. Her body was found on Sunday at Durban Deep in Roodepoort, West of Johannesburg, by a passerby who reported the case to police. Her lifeless body was found with her genitals mutilated.
The two deputy ministers have received a detailed brief from the Members of the South African Police Service, who have since launched an investigation. The investigation is underway, and the post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted.
Both deputy ministers have made a call for the mobilisation of resources to ensure that culprits responsible for this heinous attack are brought to book and are behind bars. The Police are calling upon any person to assist with information that can lead to the arrest of the culprits to contact the Crime Stop line at 08600 10111.
“Likhona, like many other girls and women who are brutally murdered, doesn’t deserve to die like this. This is unacceptable. Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) have no place in our society. Everyone in society must stand up. We must hold all sectors of society accountable for creating a safe, GBVF-free environment,” said Deputy Minister Lestike.
The Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa has released its first national study on the prevalence of GBV in the country. The study highlights, among other Aspects, Societal Attitudes Towards Gender Power Dynamics; The Prevalence and Patterns of GBV Experiences Among Women; the perpetration of violence by men; and presents data that underscores the GBV crisis.
“The big task we have is preventing these killings, rapes and assaults from happening. This means we must now come to every household and deal with behaviours in homes and society, most importantly, enforce laws that hold perpetrators accountable”. Conclude Deputy Minister Minister Letsike.
Media enquiries contact:
Cassius Selala, Head of Communications, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Cell: 060 534 0672
Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, Spokesperson for the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Cell: 083 406 6496
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