The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Maite Nkoana-Mashabane is concerned about the increasing incidences of violence against women and children amid the lockdown period.
This comes after a Kwa Zulu-Natal granny was raped and murdered, allegedly by men posing as soldiers who said they were going around sanitising homes.
It is reported that the 75-year-old Genzeni Ernstine MaMthalane Zuma was raped and murdered by criminals who had dumped her into believing they were members of the SANDF (South African National Defence Force). It's alleged that Zuma allowed the criminals in to her home in Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg after they claimed to be SANDF members assigned to sanitise homes in the area. Khoza said Zuma's grandson discovered her body on Sunday morning.
A week ago another 2 cases were reported, a 6-year-old girl Sinakhokonke Madiya has died after she was raped and strangled at Ezingolweni, on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast. Another case reported was of an 11-year-old Tiyiselani Rikhotso from Ndengeza village in Limpopo. Her body was found in the Klein Letaba Dam with several open and deep wounds.
As part of extra measures, government announced that there are plans to beef up the family violence, children protection and sexual offences units. The number 0800 150 150 can be used to report incidents of gender based violence for urgent responses.
“I am deeply concerned about criminals who take advantage of the national lockdown to rob and murder innocent citizens” We want women and children to be safe during this moment” said Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
The minister has appealed to the security cluster not to let their guard down and act decisively on matters of violence against women and children during these trying times.
Let’s ensure children are cared for and not left unattended during this period, remain vigilant to any suspicious behaviour of neighbours and surroundings and report any suspected form of abuse or criminal activity to:
- SAPS Crime Stop: 0860 10111 / SMS Crime Line: 32211
- GBVF-related service complaints (SAPS): 0800 333 177/
- complaintsnodalpoint@saps.gov.za
For interviews please contact:
Mmabatho Ramompi
Cell: 076 480 3513
E-mail: mmabatho.ramompi@women.gov.za
For further information please contact
Shalen Gajadhar
Cell: 060 979 4235
E-mail: shalen.gajadhar@women.gov.za
