The year 2021 has seen a marked increase in incidents of gruesome killings of women of different ages across the country. The Eastern Cape is among the provinces that experienced a spike in this type of brutality.
Earlier this year, three elderly women from different households in Cacadu were killed in one night. The motive remains a mystery and no one has been arrested yet.
In August, Fort Hare University’s 4th-year Law student, Nosicelo Mtebeni‘s body was found dismembered at the corner of Fleet Street in East London.
The news of Nosicelo Mtebeni’s passing upset the entire nation, her dreams were cut short by a man who claimed to love her.
Alutha Pasile is now serving a 25-year jail sentence for killing Mtebeni and 10 years for defeating the ends of justice.
However, the Mtebeni family feels that the punishment does not fit the crime.
Nosicelo’s father, Kholisile Mtebeni had this to say: “We are not happy he will be released and go do the same things he did to my daughter they didn’t take into account the way he killed her.”
The village of Zingqolweni in Cacadu was in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after elderly women were targets of murder and rape.
Women in the area now fear for their lives, especially at night. After the attacks, many were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge with neighbours.
Police investigate grisly murders of four people at an Eastern Cape village
Zingqolweni resident, Nokhwezi Galatya says she does not want to die alone.
“We are not feeling safe at our homes especially at night. When the dogs bark we get scared. I sleep with my grandchildren so that if someone comes to attack he will find me with people because I don’t want to die alone.”
Chairperson of Eastern Cape Rural Women Xolelwa Gwayi says, “Some elderly women do not report rape cases they are raped continuously by the same people because they are afraid that they will be killed if they report the case, they suffer in silence.”
Sexual offenses a concern
The increasing number of sexual offences in the Eastern Cape continues to be a matter of serious concern.
According to the third quarter crime statistics, the province recorded over 1 500 rape cases between July and September this year.
A church, situated at Quzini village, is associated with acts of criminality. Its leader is in custody on allegations of rape and human trafficking.
It’s alleged that the cleric has been sexually molesting church congregants since last year. The incidents were reported in September.
The community didn’t suspect any wrongdoing inside these premises.
Community Leader Themba Qambatha had this to say: “People were so angry so much that they don’t want him…the youth say they don’t want to mix with him anyway others want the government to invalidate his practice. If he’s got a license, it must be taken some of them were thinking of destroying that home, but we said that’s not about that, we must not take the law into our hands.”
The organisation advocating for women’s rights in the Eastern Cape, Masimanyane Women’s Rights International, believes the fight against gender-based violence must go beyond awareness campaigns.
Director of Masimanyane Women’s Right International Dr Lesley Ann Foster says, “What we need is to have consistent interventions that change the attitudes and behaviours of men who are toxic in our society. Toxic masculinity needs to change and also the status of women in society has to be raised. We have to value women.”
Government is also concerned by the incidents of Gender-Based Violence in the province.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane says, “This is not a battle to be fought by women it’s a battle that must be championed by men its another pandemic over and above this pandemic …all these incidents combined are incidents we are condemning in the strongest possible terms.”
Murder cases have also jumped from 917 from July to September in 2020 to one thousand in the same period this year. Government is calling for a multipronged approach to tackle the problem of gender-based violence.
Over 1 500 rape cases
Sexual offenses in the Eastern Cape continue to be a matter of serious concern. According to the latest SAPS crime statistics, the province recorded over 1 500 rape cases between July and September this year.
Government and society at large are calling for a joint effort to prevent and curb this scourge. Elderly women and girls continue to live in fear, in anticipation of the next strike.
A church situated at Quzini village outside Qonce is associated with wrongdoings. Its leader is in custody on allegations of rape and human trafficking. It’s alleged that the cleric has been sexually molesting church congregants since last year. The incidents were reported in September.
The unsuspecting community was shocked to learn about the perpetual wrongdoing inside the church in question.
“People were so angry so much that they don’t want him. The youth say they don’t want to mix with him anyway others want government to invalidate his practice. If he’s got a license, it must be taken. Some of them were thinking of destroying that home but we said that’s not about that, we must not take the law into our hands,” says Themba Qambatha, Local Chairperson.
Police Minister cautions police against sending GBV victims away :
Lusikisiki, Mthatha and Bizana police stations have seen a sharp increase in the number of reported cases. Government is calling for a compound approach to tackle the gender-based violence endemic.
