Meani-ngless women’s month for some

Domestic violence should be immediately reported to the authorities, writes Siphiwe Mahlangu.

This year’s women’s month had no meaning to the families of women who were slain by either an abusive (former) boyfriend or (former) husband who did not want to let go of a relationship.

Even a police officer, Sergeant Florah Jiyana of Kwa-Mhlanga, became a victim. She did not celebrate Women’s Day because she was allegedly shot dead by her boyfriend, Happy Ndinisa, on the second day of this month.

The suspect committed suicide a day after the incident. This clearly informs that police are also affected by societal effects that exist.

The brutal murder of Karabo Mokoena sent shock waves across the country. Her body was found in a veld in Bramley, Johannesburg. Her boyfriend, Sandile Mantsoe, allegedly confessed that he was the perpetrator.

Domestic violence, sexual assault and any form of gender-based violence must be reported to the authorities.

Women should not be afraid to speak about their plight and seek support from care centres and other civil support structures such as People Opposing Women Abuse, churches, psychologists, social workers and other legitimate institutes that can provide necessary support.

The difficultly of these types of crimes is that they are mostly committed by suspects who have intimate relationships with the victims, so some victims decide not to report the abuse, while others are ashamed to seek help.