Extreme concern over withdrawal of GBV cases in Ulundi
SOCIAL Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza has raised concerns over the withdrawal of gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic-related cases.
Khoza was speaking at a visit to the bereaved Shongwe family in the Zondela area of Ulundi on Friday.
Her visit comes in the wake of a tragedy where two young girls were raped, assaulted and killed on Thursday, 3 March, allegedly by their stepfather.
She was accompanied by Ulundi Deputy Mayor Gaba Madela and Speaker Senzosenkosi Buthelezi.
The partially decomposed body of the King Mageba Primary School Grade 1 learner, Sandakahle Manana (7) was found in the bushes in the Zondela area a day after she had gone missing.
She had been raped and strangled.
The body of her 12-year-old half-sister, Asimbonge Shongwe was found in other bushes in the same area on the Sunday. Her nose was missing.
Asimbonge was in Grade 6, also at King Mageba Primary School.
Before visiting the Shongwe family, Khoza made a stop at Ulundi police station to obtain more information about the incident and other GBV and domestic violence-related cases registered at the police station.
She condemned the gruesome and senseless killing of innocent children.
‘We are extremely concerned that, although police are doing their jobs, they have been unable to put the alleged perpetrator behind bars,' she said.
No person of sober senses can butcher innocent children like this
‘The killing of children shows an element of drug use. No person of sober senses can butcher innocent children like this. We want to see him in jail immediately.
'The fact that he still calls family members, threatening them, is an indication that he has no remorse. It is clear he wanted to inflict pain on the mother of the children after he had been dumped,’ Khoza said.
The MEC made a passionate plea to victims of domestic and gender-based
violence to stop withdrawing cases.
‘We want to see all criminals involved in the abuse of women and children, rot in jail. ‘This ongoing war needs all of us.
‘Police reports reveal that, of 45 [GBV] cases reported in December, to date 25 have been withdrawn by the victims or victims’ parents. This is a cause for concern.
'There is real danger and intimidation in the lives of victims, or they just get paid to withdraw cases. We want to see police being tougher on those victims who withdraw cases,’ she stressed.