Minister, makes seven demands
“We take our time to report the domestic violence cases with the police, but most often than not, they never take the cases seriously. They should not be allowing GBV cases to be withdrawn as it is the case most of the time. It is very disheartening when the GBV perpetrators boast openly; that even if we open cases against them, they would use underhand tactics to gain freedom. Some are not even afraid to tell us to the face that they are friends with police officers. What is concerning is that sometimes when we report these cases, the response or reaction you get from the police officers does not give any hope that those responsible would be brought to book. It is for that reasons that we want the Ministry of Justice to set up a family court that will be designed to exclusively handle GBV cases. “Otherwise, we are losing confidence and faith in the country’s Judiciary,” the national chairperson said.
She was echoed by her secretary general, who said the law should be such that those charged with GBV are not released from police custody until they are proven guilty or not, in a trial.
Magagula said some of the offenders were allowed to roam the streets freely thus posing further danger to the female gender.
“As a women’s organisation which is advocating for the welfare and rights of all women in Eswatini, we feel this has reached a point where your ministry needs to take emergency means to address this calamity. It has also been reported several times that police officers also do not take GBV with the urgency and attention it deserves. This also calls for your ministry to work together as law enforcers to ensure that perpetrators are punished because justice delayed is justice denied,” Magagula said.
Similar
She also mentioned that their march to the Justice Ministry was preceded by a similar action they took when they took to the streets to deliver a petition at the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) offices sometime ago.
“We do not feel safe around the male gender and what should be clear is that we will not be afraid to take the law into our own hands if push comes to a shove, so that we can protect ourselves. We are tired of being made
THE SEVEN DEMANDS:
There must be introduction of a family court as soon as possible Stiffer sentences for perpetrators of GBV and femicide
Fully implement the SODV Act (no withdrawal of cases)
Bail for offenders should be reviewed so that they forbid recommitting the same offence All GBV cases should be treated equally under the law regardless of status of the perpetrator Offenders should be kept in custody until proven guilty
Your ministry should work and assist strengthen action against GBV perpetrators.
punching bags.”
More than 20 women from different parts of the country took part in the peaceful march yesterday and noteworthy is that before delivering the petition, they all held candles as a sign of solidarity against the violence against women. It is also worth noting that not long ago, REPS officers took to the Manzini street to discourage and condemn the spate of violence acts witnessed in the country in recent times.