Students at the University of Fort Hare have called for the law to take its course after one of their own was brutally murdered, allegedly by her boyfriend.
23-year-old final year law student, Nosicelo Mtebeni’s body was found dismembered in a suitcase in the suburb of Quigney in East London.
Students and activists against gender-based violence (GBV) picketed at the scene where her remains were found.
A 25-year-old man alleged to be her boyfriend has been arrested. Police Spokesperson, Thembinkosi Kinana says they have a water-tight case against the accused.
“While we were busy at the scene our intelligence agents arrested the suspect. The Investigation continues. We are hoping to bring it to court on Monday,” says Kinana .
The Office of the Premier has also sent its condolences – while the university has provided psychosocial support to the students.
Devastated students paid respect to one of their own on Friday.
The gruesome murder of Nosicelo Mtebeni shocked many. She has been described as someone who was committed to her studies. The students are calling for justice.
“To be honest, we’re just numb. We don’t know how to feel because we keep on thinking how she felt at that time. How it came to her, it was her last breath,” says one of the students.
Another student says they are pained by the murder of Nosicelo.
“A thing like this has happened but nothing is changing. It really is painful. Nothing is changing in our society. She has died in the hands of a man,” says the students.
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“An attack on Women’s Month”
Director of the East London-based women’s rights organization, Dr Lesley Ann Foster, has described the incident as an attack on Women’s Month.
“It seems to me there are high profile particularly brutal and cruel acts of violence that take place during the month of August. If you remember Lieandre Jegels, Uyinene, Angelique Clark all murdered in August 2018. It seems like at this time of the year this happens. So there’s a resistance – an attempt to discredit Women’s Month.”
Eastern Cape Social Development MEC calls for people to raise their voices in the fight against GBV
Eastern Cape Social Development MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, called for people to raise their voices in the fight against gender-based violence.
“I am equally concerned about these seemingly normalized acts of violence against girls and women. It is a blatant disregard for human life, which all people should take upon themselves to make sure it is defeated. Everyone must raise their voice and act decisively against gender-based violence in all its forms wherever it rears its ugly head, and regardless of the perpetrator. For the sake of the family, loved ones and society, it is important that we go beyond condemnation of the murder of Nosicelo,” says Lusithi.
