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The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane wished to expresses her disappointment at the continuing killing and raping of women and children and calls on all South African men to stand up and condemn these barbaric and cruel acts.

This response arises as two cases of murder were reported over the past weekend. A Willowvale woman was found murdered in her home on Friday, with her 18-month-old baby lying next to her. It is reported that the 47-year-old woman was shot in her upper body. The motive for the killing is still being investigated.

 Another case is that of a Grade 9 pupil at Aurora Girls' High School from Dobsonville, Soweto who was raped and murdered while running an errand. Her body was found on Friday in a bush at eMndeni Extension in Soweto.

“We are shattered! This is saddening beyond comprehension especially during these trying times. I’m calling for immediate action against perpetrators of GBV.  Men must stand up against GBV by saying violence against women and girls is unacceptable,” said Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.

Women remain under threat, even behind locked doors in their homes. During this National Lockdown, a simple errand like going to buy bread is a matter of life and death for women and girls.

While we welcome the reduction in violent crime announced by SAPS one murder is one murder too many. “Women and girls are currently gripped by fear in their homes, and vile perpetrators want to capitalise on this to enact barbaric crimes. 

“South Africa boasts hosts of legislation and policies that affirm the rights of all, including women and gender non-conforming people. These rights do not necessarily translate into reality in the lives of people who still face systemic and endemic forms of violence. We must all work tirelessly to deliver for the lives of women and gender-non-conforming people in South Africa today. We cannot continue to live lives that are constantly under siege and where we are not all enjoying the fruits of our Constitutional democracy,” added Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.

As part of extra measures, government announced plans to beef up the family violence, children protection and sexual offences units. The numbers 0800 150 150 and 0800 428 428 can be used to report incidents of gender-based violence.

All citizens must ensure children are cared for and not left unattended during this period, remain vigilant to any suspicious behaviour of neighbours and surroundings and report any suspected form of abuse or criminal activity to: SAPS Crime Stop: 0860 10111

For interviews contact Ms Mmabatho Ramompi on 076 480 3513 / mmabatho.ramompi@women.gov.za or Mr Pelane Mabula-Phakgadi on 072 169 2507 or Pelane.Mabula@women.gov.za

Know and Share these contact details:

GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 

Send a Please Call Me to *120*7867# 

Skype Line ‘Helpme GBV’ for members of the deaf community: Add ‘Helpme GBV’ to your Skype contacts 

GBVCC: An SMS Based Line 31531 for persons with disabilities (SMS ‘help’ to 31531)

Women Abuse Helpline: 0800 150 150

Child line: 0800 055 555

SAPS Crime Stop: 0860 10111

GBVF-related service complaints (SAPS): 0800 333 177/

complaintsnodalpoint@saps.gov.za

Commission for Gender Equality Toll-Free to report cases of gender abuse: 0800 007 709

National AIDS Helpline: 0800 012 322

National Human Trafficking Helpline: 0800 222 777

Suicide Helpline: 0800 567 567

National Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.za 

National Institute of Communicable Diseases: https://www.nicd.ac.za 

World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int 

Coronavirus Hotline: 0800 029 999

Twitter: @DWYPD_ZA

Instagram: @dwypdza

Facebook: @dwypdza

Website: www.women.gov.za

Issued by Government Communications (GCIS) on behalf of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities