and rape
5 March 2009
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) notes with great concern the media
report appearing in the Mercury of 5 March 2009, on the routine abduction and
rape of women in Umlazi by a local gang. The gang has also been terrorising
residents of Umlazi, attacking and committing acts of murder. It is
unacceptable for women in our democracy to be vulnerable to this terrifying
violation of their inherent right to safety and security, dignity and physical
integrity.
This incident brings to mind the recent attacks on women in Umlazi T-section
for wearing trousers, in defiance of a local ban in this regard. This ban was
successfully challenged and overturned by the CGE in the Equality Court of
Umlazi. The CGE noted at that time that the incident revealed an inherent
disregard for gender equality and womenâs right to dignity. The CGE warned the
community and South African Police Service (SAPS) that if they allowed such
incidents to continue unchallenged, this would serve to perpetuate the
stereotypes that lead to this form of violation of women and disregard for
their rights.
The CGE notes and supports the Umlazi Community Policing Forumâs call for
stricter crime prevention measures, and for community members to work with SAPS
to identify gang members and secure their arrest. The CGE is convening an
urgent meeting with the Station Commander of the Umlazi Police Station to hear
what action is being undertaken to ensure the security of women in Umlazi, and
apprehend these criminals.
The Commission for Gender Equality is established in terms of Section 187 of
the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in order to promote respect
for gender equality and the protection, development and attainment of gender
equality.
Issued by: Commission for Gender Equality
5 March 2009
