Residents of Parkridge and Pefferville yesterday lit candles for Lee-Ann Gordon and Hester Plaatjies, marking 16 days of activism against women and child abuse.
The body of Gordon, 20, was found behind the Parkside library on January 17 last year and 12-year-old Hester’s body was found on Second Creek dumpsite five months later.
Hester’s aunt Mildred Meyers said the family was hit by a double tragedy as Hester was killed just weeks after her 10-year-old sister was raped.
The Daily Dispatch subsequently learnt that Hester’s sister was one of the two children who drowned in a dam at Greensleeves Place of Safety earlier this year.
The candle ceremony was one of the activities organised by the Haven Wellness Centre, in partnership with the Buffalo Flats police station, department of social development and several churches, to raise awareness and root out abuse against women and children.
Meyers, who could barely hold back her tears, said the death of her nieces had left a void in her life.
“I feel so empty. I become weak when I think of how their young lives ended. I blame their deaths on the abuse they endured,” she said.
The two girls were part of an orphans and vulnerable children programme at the wellness centre.
Its founder, Eurina Stowman, said the centre was overwhelmed by victims of abuse every day.
“Elderly people are abused by their grandchildren and children and women are raped; and they all come to the centre for help.
“Hence we called all the relevant organisations to come and speak to them,” she said.
Buffalo Flats police officers will go today to the homes of abuse victims who have sought help at the centre.
“Some are scared to open a case and some simply don’t have the resources or knowledge about what to do. That is why we bring the police station to them,” said Stowman.
Police spokesman Captain Stephen Marais said while the SAPS welcomed the initiative, he urged people not wait for 16 days of activism to report abuse.
“The sooner a case is opened, the sooner we can investigate and arrest the perpetrator,” said Marais.
Marais said the Gordon case was still being investigated. Hester’s case was sent to a senior state prosecutor as it lacked evidence. — arethal@dispatch.co.za
Candles for victims mark 16 days
The body of Gordon, 20, was found behind the Parkside library on January 17 last year and 12-year-old Hester’s body was found on Second Creek dumpsite five months later.
Hester’s aunt Mildred Meyers said the family was hit by a double tragedy as Hester was killed just weeks after her 10-year-old sister was raped.
The Daily Dispatch subsequently learnt that Hester’s sister was one of the two children who drowned in a dam at Greensleeves Place of Safety earlier this year.
The candle ceremony was one of the activities organised by the Haven Wellness Centre, in partnership with the Buffalo Flats police station, department of social development and several churches, to raise awareness and root out abuse against women and children.
Meyers, who could barely hold back her tears, said the death of her nieces had left a void in her life.
“I feel so empty. I become weak when I think of how their young lives ended. I blame their deaths on the abuse they endured,” she said.
The two girls were part of an orphans and vulnerable children programme at the wellness centre.
Its founder, Eurina Stowman, said the centre was overwhelmed by victims of abuse every day.
“Elderly people are abused by their grandchildren and children and women are raped; and they all come to the centre for help.
“Hence we called all the relevant organisations to come and speak to them,” she said.
Buffalo Flats police officers will go today to the homes of abuse victims who have sought help at the centre.
“Some are scared to open a case and some simply don’t have the resources or knowledge about what to do. That is why we bring the police station to them,” said Stowman.
Police spokesman Captain Stephen Marais said while the SAPS welcomed the initiative, he urged people not wait for 16 days of activism to report abuse.
“The sooner a case is opened, the sooner we can investigate and arrest the perpetrator,” said Marais.
Marais said the Gordon case was still being investigated. Hester’s case was sent to a senior state prosecutor as it lacked evidence. — arethal@dispatch.co.za
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