3 October 2007
Serial killings in KwaZulu-Natal (Shayamoya, Umzinto South Coast) where
women are targeted have raised some concern throughout the country. At this
stage eight bodies of murdered women have been found dumped in the sugarcane
fields. In addition to this, there are families which are still reporting
missing female relatives. Possibilities are that they were killed. Although
five suspects were arrested in connection with the discovery of the first five
bodies, two of them were later released. The community is living in fear
because they donât know who the next victim will be.
The South African Government is committed to ensuring a life free from
violence for all, especially women and children. This complies with the
Constitutional provisions on equality, human dignity, privacy and freedom and
security of the person. The commitment is also informed by the country's
obligations in terms of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPA), the Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the
Vienna Declaration on Human Rights and related human rights norms.
The National Office on the Status of Women in The Presidency condemns the
killing of women that continues to take place in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
The Office on the Status of Women further confirms that ending violence against
Women and Children is a national priority and The Office regards violence
against women as violation of Women's Human Rights that affects their
development while undermining their participation in the opportunities and
freedoms that democracy has created. The killings impact negatively on the
children and the family left behind because they are going to be left orphans
and that in itself predisposes them to poverty, child-headed families and other
social ills.
The Office on the Status of Women strongly recommends that people with
information that might lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators
should come forward to assist the judicial system to effect prosecution.
Issued by: The Presidency
3 October 2007
