Justice system under fire: Community slams inaction on GBV

The Citizen

15-07-2025

Quick read:
A heated community dialogue was held at Ngoako Ramahlodi by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Residents say a weak and slow justice system is fuelling crime and gender-based violence (GBV).
Social activist Mabotse Mothiba shared a recent case of an elderly woman assaulted by her son — who still walks free.
Residents say local teens involved in a fatal incident also faced no legal consequences.
Men in attendance said police mocked or dismissed them when reporting abuse by female partners.
Police Commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe urged victims to report abuse consistently.
Minister Mamoloko Khubayi-Ngubane acknowledged GBV complaints and pledged to improve accountability.
Full story
POLOKWANE – A lenient and often unresponsive justice system is fuelling crime and gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.
That was the strong message from residents during a heated community dialogue hosted at Ngoako Ramahlodi by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on Thursday.
Community members, including social activist and Westenburg CPF member Mabotse Mothiba, shared first-hand accounts of frustration, fear and injustice, blaming local law enforcement for failing to act swiftly on serious GBV cases.
Minister Mamoloko Khubayi-Ngubane led the dialogue, which formed part of Mandela Month efforts to engage communities and strengthen justice systems across the country.
Mothiba recounted a recent incident involving an elderly woman who was assaulted by her adult son. 'I found her lying in the street late at night.
'The next day, I went to her house and the son just laughed at me. He's still walking free. Nothing has been done,' she said. Her experience, she added, highlighted how law enforcement's inaction emboldens abusers and discourages whistleblowers.
Other residents echoed these sentiments.
'One pointed out a case where local teens caused a death but were neither charged nor cautioned. 'These kids are still roaming the streets like nothing happened. It sends a dangerous message,' a resident said.
The dialogue also shone a light on the gendered stigma surrounding GBV.
Several men in attendance revealed how they were ridiculed or dismissed by police officers when attempting to report abuse from their female partners.
'We are mocked and not taken seriously because we don't fit the stereotype of a victim,' one man said.
Law enforcement representatives in attendance, including provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, acknowledged these concerns but urged victims to report abuse consistently.
'When victims remain silent, it weakens our efforts to bring justice and hold perpetrators accountable,' one official said.
The minister admitted the department had received multiple distress calls from the region, flagging a rise in GBV-related incidents. 'That's why we're here, to listen and to find practical solutions,' Khubayi-Ngubane said, adding that the dialogue aimed to help restore faith in the justice system and address the urgent need for reform.
She also committed to ensuring follow-ups and accountability, noting that no South African should feel unsafe or unheard when seeking justice.
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