President Jacob Zuma told South Africans that government had made remarkable progress in the fight against the abuse and killings of elderly women and young girls.
Zuma officially launched the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign in front of thousands of people who gathered in Mafikeng, North West province, yesterday.
The theme for the 17th edition of the campaign was: Count Me In: Together Moving A Non-Violent South Africa Forward.
Zuma praised business, churches, labour, the media and other sectors for spreading the message not to “cover up, deny or condone” gender-based violence.
“Violence and the abuse of women and children exist and must be fought by all of us. The attacks, abuse, rape and killings of women and children are cruel, inhumane and degrading,” said Zuma.
Zuma said 40 regional courts in the country had been upgraded, increasing the conviction rate from 59% to 64% between 2013 and 2015.
Thuthuzela Care Centres – victim consultation centres at police stations – saw an increase of 8% in the conviction rate from 2013 until 2015.
“Let us say no to violence, to abuse, to bullying of women and children,” Zuma said. “Let us report incidents of violence when it takes place in our communities.
“It is not a private matter.”
Less than 24 hours before Zuma delivered his speech, an elderly woman from Sithundu village in Mount Ayliff died after being stabbed multiple times by her
37-year-old son.
Mount Ayliff police spokesman Captain Mlungisi Matidane said the suspect told police he had repeatedly “dreamed” she was bewitching him.
“A woman died from multiple stab wounds after being attacked with a knife by her own son ,” said Matidane.
“A case of murder has been opened and an investigation is under way.”
He said the suspect was apprehended by community members when he tried to flee the scene in a taxi.
The victim’s name has not been released until her next of kin had been informed.
The suspect appeared in the Mount Ayliff Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder yesterday. The outcome of the appearance was not clear at the time of writing.
Meanwhile, more than 500 residents gathered at Twazi Village outside Flagstaff for the launch of 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children yesterday.
Ingquza Hill local municipality spokesman Pat Mdingi delivered the keynote address.
Lusikisiki police spokesman Captain Mduduzi Godlwana said there was a high rate of rape in the area and most cases were not reported to the police.
Provincial MEC for transport, safety and liaison Weziwe Tikana and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Celiwe Binta were due to officially launch the campaign in Bityi, about 40km outside Mthatha, where a total of eight elderly women and children have been shot dead in the past six years.
Zuma launches anti-violence campaign
Zuma officially launched the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign in front of thousands of people who gathered in Mafikeng, North West province, yesterday.
The theme for the 17th edition of the campaign was: Count Me In: Together Moving A Non-Violent South Africa Forward.
Zuma praised business, churches, labour, the media and other sectors for spreading the message not to “cover up, deny or condone” gender-based violence.
“Violence and the abuse of women and children exist and must be fought by all of us. The attacks, abuse, rape and killings of women and children are cruel, inhumane and degrading,” said Zuma.
Zuma said 40 regional courts in the country had been upgraded, increasing the conviction rate from 59% to 64% between 2013 and 2015.
Thuthuzela Care Centres – victim consultation centres at police stations – saw an increase of 8% in the conviction rate from 2013 until 2015.
“Let us say no to violence, to abuse, to bullying of women and children,” Zuma said. “Let us report incidents of violence when it takes place in our communities.
“It is not a private matter.”
Less than 24 hours before Zuma delivered his speech, an elderly woman from Sithundu village in Mount Ayliff died after being stabbed multiple times by her
37-year-old son.
Mount Ayliff police spokesman Captain Mlungisi Matidane said the suspect told police he had repeatedly “dreamed” she was bewitching him.
“A woman died from multiple stab wounds after being attacked with a knife by her own son ,” said Matidane.
“A case of murder has been opened and an investigation is under way.”
He said the suspect was apprehended by community members when he tried to flee the scene in a taxi.
The victim’s name has not been released until her next of kin had been informed.
The suspect appeared in the Mount Ayliff Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder yesterday. The outcome of the appearance was not clear at the time of writing.
Meanwhile, more than 500 residents gathered at Twazi Village outside Flagstaff for the launch of 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children yesterday.
Ingquza Hill local municipality spokesman Pat Mdingi delivered the keynote address.
Lusikisiki police spokesman Captain Mduduzi Godlwana said there was a high rate of rape in the area and most cases were not reported to the police.
Provincial MEC for transport, safety and liaison Weziwe Tikana and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Celiwe Binta were due to officially launch the campaign in Bityi, about 40km outside Mthatha, where a total of eight elderly women and children have been shot dead in the past six years.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos