Latest news with #womenSafety
News24
2 days ago
- General
- News24
Olorato Mongale's family struggles to come to terms with her tragic death - ‘Our worst fears came true'
She was filled with excitement as she prepared for a date with a potential suitor, only to have her life tragically cut short just hours later. Her untimely death has left South Africa grappling with a profound question: 'When will women truly be safe?' The family of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, an only child, remains in disbelief following her tragic death. They say each day presents new challenges since the discovery of her lifeless body. Mongale's life was abruptly and violently taken on Sunday afternoon, just two hours after she informed friends she was going on a date with a man she had recently met at a mall in the Free State. The man reportedly contacted her again while visiting Johannesburg, and she agreed to meet him. Family spokesperson and close friend, Criselda Kananda, told Drum Magazine that Mongale had taken safety precautions. She informed her friends of the date and asked them to check in with her every 30 minutes. Despite these measures, Mongale's life was still cruelly stolen. 'Olorato knew the risks women face in this country. That's why she asked her friends to keep checking in while she was out,' said Kananda. 'When an hour passed and no one could reach her, her friends contacted her parents. A missing person poster was created and circulated.' At that point, the family still hoped for her safe return. 'We were worried because her phone was off, but we remained hopeful. It had only been about three hours since she left her apartment,' Kananda explained. 'Unfortunately, our worst fears came true when her body was discovered by the roadside in Lombardy, just two hours after she left for the date.' The family is devastated. 'There are no words to describe the pain we're going through. Every day brings a new challenge,' said Kananda. 'We refuse to let Olorato become another statistic, a young woman discarded on the street. She worked so hard for her future, for her country, and for women everywhere. We cannot accept this as normal.' Olorato Mongale was described as a vibrant, ambitious woman who knew what she wanted from life. She had earned an Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Rhodes University and worked briefly as a multimedia journalist for TimesLIVE. She was pursuing a Master's degree in ICT Policy and Regulation at the University of the Witwatersrand at the time of her death. 'She was her mother's best friend. I cannot imagine how her mom will carry on from this,' Kananda added. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that a manhunt is underway for three suspects believed to be involved in Mongale's murder. 'The investigation led us to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, where two suspects had booked a room,' said Mathe. 'Further intelligence took us to KwaMashu in Durban, to the home of one of the suspects. The vehicle used by the suspects was found at a panel beater workshop, and upon inspection, SAPS forensic experts discovered traces of blood inside.' An elderly man believed to be the owner of the vehicle has been arrested. However, police are still searching for three men suspected to have been directly involved in the murder: Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
The sad reason why a $29 Bunnings buy is selling out across Australia
As concerns over personal safety grow across Australia, a pocket-sized device from Bunnings is becoming a must-have item for women, and now their children too. The Swann Graphite Gen 2 ActiveResponse Personal Alarm, retailing for just $29, is flying off the shelves as more women turn to the affordable gadget for extra peace of mind. But it's not just adults who are reaping the benefits of this modern safety essential, concerned mums are now purchasing the alarm for their kids as they become more independent. Small enough to clip onto a key ring or backpack, the device features two alarm modes: a siren and flashing light activated by pulling the keychain for immediate attention, and a discreet red button that silently sends an SOS message with real-time GPS coordinates to designated emergency contacts. 'Every parent should get one of these for your child,' one Bunnings reviewer raved. 'It's amazing how well it works.' The surge in popularity reflects a broader trend in Australia, where women, particularly mothers, are increasingly investing in personal safety tools amid rising concerns about violence and street harassment. In a 2023 report by Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety, nearly two-thirds of Australian women reported feeling unsafe walking alone at night. It's no surprise then that products like the Swann personal alarm are gaining traction as a modern solution to an age-old problem. 'This is a wonderful product, small and well made,' another reviewer wrote. 'I bought this for my child who has just started high school and has started catching public transport... We've tested it a few times just to be sure and it's amazing how well it works.' For mums like this, the device offers 'a little bit of backup just in case.' 'I'm not paranoid,' she wrote in her online review, 'but you still want that little bit of backup… She barely notices it's there, and I know if anything ever felt off, she could press the button and I'd get the alert straight away.' Unlike traditional personal alarms, the Gen 2 version includes built-in mobile connectivity and GPS, removing the need to pair with a smartphone - a critical feature for younger users or those who may not always carry their phones. The personal alarm also has the tick of approval from New Zealand TikToker Jen Lourdes, who posted a now-viral video on the device. Jen said she picked up the device after seeing other women recommend it as a simple but effective way to feel a little safer. 'There was a lady on TikTok that recommended getting the personal alarm,' Jen said. The small, pocket-size device packs a serious punch when it comes to making enough noise to help ward off danger 'This is really great if you're going runs or you're solo travelling, or if you work night shifts.' The small, sleek, pocket-size device doesn't look like much, but packs a serious punch when it comes to making enough noise to (hopefully) ward off danger. 'What you do is you pull it, and it makes a really loud noise,' Jen explained. Alternatively, you can push a button and it texts a friend or family member. Compact enough to clip onto a keychain or lanyard, the alarm is easy to carry during a jog, stash in a handbag or keep close while walking to the car after a night shift. 'I'm slowly started to get into running so I thought it would be perfect to take with me when I go on a run,' Jen added. 'I also do a lot of solo travelling for work, I feel like it's just a bit of extra security.' While it's comforting to know gadgets like this exist, the surge in popularity sadly reflects a growing reality: women in 2025 are still forced to think about personal safety every time they step outside alone. 'The fact that we live in a world where we need this to feel safe,' one follower commented. 'These should be handed out for free at police stations tbh. Genius!' added another. While the Swann ActiveResponse offers a quick, affordable way to feel more empowered, the hope remains that one day, women won't have to plan their day around personal protection. For now though, many are praising Jen and others like her for spreading the word about such a useful gadget. 'Omg this is such a good idea!! Need this asap.'
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island's Liberty Poole issues stark warning after uncomfortable moment with tradesman while alone in her house
LIBERTY Poole has sent out a stark warning to fans after a tradesman called out to her house was inappropriate towards her. The 25-year-old posted a video on TikTok, explaining that she had been forced to call pest control after dealing with ants in her home. 6 6 However, she noted that women need to 'be careful and trust their gut' as she went on to detail the man's comments towards her, leaving her uncomfortable in her own home. She told her followers: 'So on the way out – I was on my own because my boyfriend got a doctor's appointment today, so he's not in the house – he [the tradesman] was saying things to me like, 'do you live on this house on your own? How much is this house worth? What do you do?' 'Like, really inappropriate questions off the bat, which I thought was a bit awkward.' However, Liberty added she 'drew the line' when he got more personal. 'It was me and this guy in the house, and I was like, paying him at the time so he could just get out my house and leave, please go, just trying to be amicable. 'And then he asked this really inappropriate question. Was basically like, 'what do you use for your boobs so I can get it to my wife?' 'After that, I drew the line. I was like, this isn't an appropriate question. Please leave the house. Please leave.' Liberty added that she contacted the company, who suspended the man in question, but was left shaken as it reminded her of another time when a man followed her when she went to collect a parcel. 'I should have trusted my gut and asked the security guard to walk me to the car, but I didn't,' she said. 'I just like, left it. I'm walking to the car, which is quite far down this road, this dark road. 'It's like 10pm at night, the car comes around the corner, follows me all the way, knowing that I didn't want the attention, knowing that I got help because of the way he was being, still followed me, and I just had this adrenaline kick in. Love Island star breaks down in tears and admits she's lonely and can't make friends 'I just was like, leave me alone. Like, I actually think I swore as well, it's not likely, but like, my adrenaline just kicked in at this point because I didn't know what to do. 'After that, I sat in my car, and there was this bunch of guys that come after he left, and like, just kind of stared at me from in there, in the car, and I was so shook up, but all I could do was go home to an empty flat and an empty house on my own, because, again, it's like my family live abroad. I can tell them, but they can't do anything about it.' As she spoke, the message about her read: 'Please be careful. Vet companies properly and trust your gut. This is a post to bring awareness to support groups you can call if you're a young girl living on your own.' Fans were quick to flood Liberty with support, with women sharing their own uncomfortable interactions with tradesmen when living by themselves. 6 6 'Sick of this happening to women all over and in every and any environment. It's so sad and shouldn't be happening,' wrote one. 'Had super similar in a taxi when I was drunk on the way home, he refused to drop me off before my SOBER friend then when alone asked me super inappropriate questions, I was so scared,' said another. 'I had a scare with a tradesman recently,' noted a third. 'It's really scary realising how vulnerable you actually are, in your own home alone with a bigger and stronger man who might not have good intentions.' 'I'm so sorry you went through that. No one should have to take preventative measures to be safe especially in their own home,' wrote a fourth. 'You truly cannot trust anyone. Sounds like he was trying to figure out if you'd be alone for long. Hope you're okay babe.' 'I'm so sorry this happened to you, this shouldn't happen to ANYONE. Hopefully this gets resolved but it shouldn't be a thing in the first place,' wrote a fifth. 'Everyone should be able to have a service done without being persecuted or being made to feel unsafe especially in your own home.' 6 6
News24
16-05-2025
- Business
- News24
Kgosigadi Rides is a ride hailing app for women, by women
Kgosigadi Rides is South Africa's first all-women ride hailing app. Tilly Legodi co-founded the app after a scary experience riding home using a popular e-hailing service. Tilly's app ensures safety by verifying the women drivers and riders' ID numbers. _________________________________________________________________________ We live in a country where women and children face heinous levels of violent crimes against them, whether its simply going to school or enjoying a night out. Even trusted e-hailing services have proven to be dangerous. How many times have you heard a harrowing story of a driver assaulting or threatening a woman just trying to reach her next destination? A groundbreaking startup is rewriting the rules of transportation for women and children in South Africa. Tilly Legodi, an entrepreneur and mom of three, took a painful experience and turned it into an opportunity to dedicate herself to the safety and empowerment of women and children with Mzansi's first women-only ride hailing app called Kgosigadi Rides. Tilly co-founded Kgosigadi Rides to provide a revolutionary service connecting women drivers with women passengers and their children, ensuring a ride experience grounded in safety and trust. Turning a painful experience into freedom for all Tilly reveals to TRUELOVE that Kgosigadi Rides wasn't created in a boardroom or born out of a textbook business plan but it came from a personal experience that shook Tilly to her core. 'One night, after a girls' night out, I took a ride home using a popular e-hailing service. The driver took a wrong turn, heading away from my destination. Thankfully, I had shared the ride with my husband, who noticed the deviation. In a moment of fear, I told the driver that my husband – a police officer – was following us because he was working a nearby roadblock. 'When we finally arrived at my gate, the driver took my phone, claiming he was helping me apply a discount. Instead, he rated himself five stars, ended the trip, and handed my phone back. That experience left me feeling violated and deeply unsafe,' Tilly shares. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tilly Legodi (@tillylegodi) 'But instead of sitting in that fear, I transformed it into purpose. I made a decision that night – never again. I enrolled in a web development course on Udemy and taught myself how to code. It took a full year to build the Kgosigadi Ride apps from scratch using Flutter. I tested and launched them - and when I realised the system needed to be more robust, I rebuilt everything from the ground up using From humble beginnings to app development The birth of Kgosigadi Rides didn't just come out of a scary experience but also from Tilly's undying perseverance and passion for fulfillment. The 40-year-old app developer was born and raised in Mohlakeng, a small township in the west of Johannesburg. With dreams of going into fashion, 'Life took a different turn when I became a mother at 19,' Tilly reveals. Determined to build a future, Tilly studied various business and education courses, trained as a beauty and skincare consultant and explored e-commerce, which led her to her passion for web and mobile app development. She continues, 'Every five years, I reinvent myself – and this phase of my life has been the most fulfilling yet. I'm a proud mom of three, and my first-born child is now my graphic designer and social media strategist – proof that this journey is not just mine but my family's too. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tilly Legodi (@tillylegodi) 'My hobbies include art, creating with my hands, BMX biking, cycling and spending time outdoors. But my true passion today is building apps that change lives. My latest love? Mobile app development – a craft that lets me create solutions that make real impact.' The mother of all rides Tilly prides Kgosigadi Rides as an initiative more than just a ride hailing platform. She describes it as a platform where women and children are protected, respected and empowered. Taking safety and security seriously, Tilly explains that Kgosigadi Rides requires 'all users, both passengers and drivers, to verify their South African ID numbers - ensuring every ride is safe and authentic. We're building a sisterhood, a safe space where women support one another and where drivers can earn a living in dignity and peace. 'The Kgosigadi Ride apps are available now on the Google Play Store and will be launching on iOS by mid-June. The service is accessible to women and children across South Africa, with nationwide availability.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kgosigadi Rides (@kgosigadi_rides)
The Independent
13-05-2025
- The Independent
‘Beast of Birkenhead' moniker came after murder that shocked community
Peter Sullivan was dubbed the 'Beast of Birkenhead' after the murder of Diane Sindall sent shockwaves through a community. Mr Sullivan, who spent 38 years in prison, was jailed in 1987 for killing the 21-year-old. Miss Sindall, a florist who was working part-time as a barmaid while she saved up for her wedding, was raped and brutally murdered as she walked along Borough Road in Birkenhead, Wirral, in the early hours of August 2 1986. Mr Sullivan was convicted of her murder the following year and bite marks found on her body, used as part of the case against him, led to him being called the 'Beast of Birkenhead', the 'Wolfman' and the 'Mersey Ripper'. Speaking outside court after his conviction was quashed, Mr Sullivan's sister Kim Smith said: 'Peter was called so many different names and that all needs to be squashed now because Peter was never anything of what he was being called in the first place.' The murder became a 'catalyst for action' for women, who set up Wirral Rape Crisis Counselling Service in its aftermath, which still operates today as Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside. According to the service, it was after Miss Sindall's death that it was decided 'enough was enough'. The charity said: 'With local women angry at the nature of Diane's death and how easily it could have been prevented, a change in attitude and the very first 'Reclaim the Night' march in Liverpool presented the perfect opportunity to strike. Police said Miss Sindall suffered extensive injuries in the attack, with her cause of death established as a cerebral haemorrhage following multiple blows. The high-profile crime was featured on Crimewatch in the weeks after her murder. On Tuesday, Merseyside Police found itself again appealing for help to find the man who killed her. Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said: 'Diane's murder sent shockwaves through Birkenhead when it happened and I would appeal to anyone who lived in the area at the time, and has any information which could help us with our inquiries, to come forward.'
