Latest news with #EndGBV
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- The Citizen
Man accused of brutal attack on ex-girlfriend denied bail as Mchunu condemns GBV incident
The suspect faces charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and attempted murder. Trigger Warning: This article contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some readers. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has condemned violence against women after a 36-year-old man accused of attacking his ex-girlfriend was denied bail. Zenzele Xaba appeared at the Richmond Magistrate's Court, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday for his formal bail application. He is facing charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and attempted murder. The charges stem from an incident on 16 April, when Xaba allegedly attacked his former girlfriend and her mother at their home in the Maswazini area of Richmond. The suspect allegedly first assaulted the mother before violently attacking the young woman by gouging both of her eyes with a screwdriver. The young woman is currently receiving medical treatment at Harry Gwala District Hospital. Mchunu condemns GBV attack Speaking to the media before the bail verdict, Mchunu said the attack followed a dispute between Xaba and his former partner. 'When the mother intervened, he attacked the mother viciously, and when the ex-girlfriend went out from her bedroom to the lounge to assist her mother, she was brutally [attacked] … he even used a screwdriver, attacking her [in] both eyes,' he said. 'It is said that her eyes bled very badly. They are bad, but she's being attended to,' Mchunu remarked. ALSO READ: Boyfriend arrested for murder in Limpopo village The minister said the incident was completely unjustified. 'There was absolutely no reason on earth for that young man to attack that young lady just because she had said 'I no longer like you or I no longer love you', which is her full right,' he said. Mchunu praised the community for assisting police with the arrest and condemned the 'sheer brutality' of the incident. 'He attacked this woman in her own home, and that means… he has no bounds. He doesn't deserve to be free.' Extended my sympathies to the family on Sunday, and today, we are here to show them our support. We stand with survivors, not perpetrators. #GBVMustFall #JusticeForSurvivors #EndGBV — Senzo Mchunu (@Senzo_Mchunu_) April 29, 2025 A broader GBV crisis Mchunu said the incident highlighted the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa. 'Anyone who calls himself a man of whatever age who attacks a woman for whatever reason, in whatever way, whether with bare hands, fists or foot or whatever, doesn't deserve to be called a man. 'He belongs in jail. He doesn't belong to our community, and when people are saying they are tired, I believe they mean it.' The minister indicated that the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) cluster has reviewed the government's framework for addressing GBVF. 'We now have reviewed the framework that we've been using all the time because it has been effective, but not to the [necessary] extent [because] there is an outcry about [GBV] in the whole country. READ MORE: MEC: Don't charge mom who killed daughter's alleged rapist 'Some say the president should declare a state of emergency about it.' He further emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling this issue. 'The proportions, the extent, and even some of these incidents, they are so ugly, so painful that they really are unacceptable, and therefore, the collaboration on the ground between all the law enforcement and the community is the best way of doing this,' Mchunu said. 'We have to play our role as well as the justice and safety cluster and make sure that we tighten all the loose ends.' Accepted a memorandum from citizens demanding, amongst others, justice in the case and calling for a number of other measures to be implemented to intensify the fight against crime. We hear your voices and stand with survivors. We must ensure our justice system works for the… — Senzo Mchunu (@Senzo_Mchunu_) April 29, 2025 The victim's mother told eNCA she was relieved by the court's decision to deny bail. She stated that she would have feared for her family's lives if the accused had been released. She also expressed cautious optimism about her daughter's recovery, saying the young woman had regained vision in one eye. Meanwhile, Minister Mchunu also addressed the case involving a seven-year-old girl named Cwecwe, who was allegedly raped at her school, Bergview College, in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, in October 2024. Public anger escalated last month after the girl's mother came forward to criticise the slow progress of the investigation. Although DNA samples were taken from individuals of interest, no foreign DNA was found on the child's clothing and, therefore, no suspect has been identified. Providing an update, Mchunu said the case was at an 'advanced stage'. 'You remember that we did say that the matter is quite complex. It has got various aspects.' He also addressed an earlier misstatement involving the school's principal, who had been wrongfully linked to rape incident. 'It was an error which got committed in the course of duty unintentionally, as it would be, and we felt it was responsible to say sorry to the principal,' Mchunu told the media. NOW READ: Mnchunu admits mistake, apologises to school principal for naming him in alleged rape of Cwecwe
Mail & Guardian
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Born Free: The gender-based violence epidemic is South Africa's hidden war
This Week on Born Free : Unpacking Gender-Based Violence in South Africa In our most urgent episode yet, hosts Otsile Nkadimeng and Khumo Kumalo sit down with Michael Benévolent Masina from the TEARS Foundation to confront one of South Africa's most pressing and painful crises: gender-based violence (GBV). Prompted by the national outcry over the tragic case of Cwecwe and the unresolved disappearance of Joshlin , this conversation exposes the deep-rooted systemic failures—within our justice system, communities, and national conscience—that continue to allow GBV to thrive. This isn't an easy listen. But it's a conversation we must have. From the voices of survivors to the work being done on the frontlines, we unpack what meaningful change looks like—and the courage it takes to demand it. 🎙️ Subscribe to Born Free and help amplify the voices calling for justice. 📢 Share this episode to raise awareness and be part of the movement to #EndGBV. #BornFreePodcast #JusticeForCwecwe #JusticeForJoshlin #EndGBV #SouthAfrica #TearsFoundation #SpeakUp #GenderJustice #YouthVoices #NoMoreSilence Khumo Kumalo is the visionary behind Misunderstood and the dynamic co-host of Born Free . Named one of the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans of 2024 , he is a bold voice in the country's evolving political discourse. As the author of Newsletter 94 (formerly Misunderstood), Kumalo delves into South Africa's complex history and shifting political landscape, reflecting on the dreams and realities of a post-apartheid nation. His passion for debate and current affairs was ignited at St John's College , later taking him to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia , where he continued to sharpen his perspective on leadership and social change. Kumalo isn't just asking questions—he's challenging narratives, sparking conversations, and pushing South Africa's youth to rethink what it truly means to be Born Free . Otsile Nkadimeng is a published author, policy writer, and changemaker , balancing his role as a second-year university student with a deep commitment to youth empowerment. Recognized by News24 for his impact and awarded the Young Nelson Mandela Award in 2023 , he is shaping conversations on democracy, governance, and sustainability. As the Executive Director of SoWeVote , a platform he co-founded, Nkadimeng is making it easier for young South Africans to access critical information about politics and democracy. His advocacy extends beyond borders—he serves as a Youth Advisor to the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria and is a fellow at the International Youth Think Tank , where he contributes to global youth policy discussions. Passionate about sustainability, he has co-founded and led multiple initiatives aimed at environmental and social progress across South Africa. Whether in civic engagement, international diplomacy, or grassroots activism, Nkadimeng is at the forefront of youth-led change, proving that young voices aren't just part of the conversation—they're leading it. Disclaimer: 'Born Free' is an opinion-based podcast and does not represent the views of M&G Media (PTY) LTD, its owners, affiliates, employees, or partners. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect the editorial stance of the Mail & Guardian.
