Uyinene: praise for action
TODAY marks a year since the brutal rape and murder of 19-year-old University of Cape Town student Uyinene Mrwetyana.
Post Office worker Luyanda Botha, 42, was tried and convicted of Mrwetyana’s murder and sentenced to life behind bars.
The murder took place at the Clarenreich Post Office in Claremont on August 24.
Her rape and murder and that of others during weeks prior gave rise to widespread protests calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to take sterner action against such crimes.
Although the investigation and sentencing concluded more speedily, in less than three months, countless survivors and families of victims are still fighting for a semblance of justice.
In Philippi, the body of Nomvuzo Atloli, 22, was found at a dumping site in Siyanyanzela informal settlement last Thursday. On June 20, the body of Amahle Quku, 17, was discovered, bruised and naked in Albert Luthuli Street, Browns Farm.
Women and anti-gender-based violence (GBV) activists who participated in last year’s protests reflected on the year that has passed.
Jacqueline Cupido from Manenberg said GBV was not taken seriously in this country and that the cries of women and children were not heard.
Cupido, who has had to report cases of GBV with survivors, said the process was “pathetic”.
“Many perpetrators know that our justice system is weak and they get away with the crimes so they will re-offend. They get smarter in how they victimise women and children, leaving the victims to be scared more in the process of reporting the crime.”
University of Western Cape student Bronwyn February participated in last year’s protests on campus.
“Our system is deliberately against us – especially our policing system,” February said.
She said the state was “unfriendly” towards victims of GBV in its approach to seeking justice.
Right2Know community organiser Nomacebo Mbayo said sadly GBV gains more attention during Women’s Month or during the 16 Days of Activism.