Reedville – The community came out in their numbers on Thursday evening to mourn the death of Khosi Priscilla Mtshali with a candlelight ceremony on Bathurst Lane.

As the country observes 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, Mtshali (46) was murdered in her home in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A man known to her allegedly bludgeoned her to death. It is also alleged that the man then handed himself in to the police.

“What we saw today shook us to the core. We need you to help soothe us through song. I am deeply hurt. I am in shambles,” said Karis Radebe, the victim’s cousin.

Radebe encouraged young women to make better decisions.

“Do not endure ill treatment at the hands of another. Deciding to save yourself might mean losing some tangible things. Losing things is always better than losing your life, and for your family to lose you.

“It will be difficult to walk away, but it will be worth it,” she added.

Mayiphephi Seleke, Mtshali’s friend, was inconsolable as she explained how precious their friendship was.
Archbishop-elect Dumisani Mphuthi said he was ashamed.

“Yet again, a woman has lost her life at the hands of a man. We have been preaching the same message, but it seems to be falling on deaf ears,” he said.

Mphuthi encouraged those in attendance to step back and find ways to manage conflict.

“One of the major issues is that people are talking about abuse behind closed doors. We need to take a bold step and report these incidents every time we witness them. No one is immune to GBV,” he said.

He also said perpetrators of abuse can be female, and some victims can be male.

“The time for us to mind our own business has passed. I know that there are instances where we advocate for women who are victims, and they turn against us. Even so, we we must still do what needs to be done,” he added.

He also encouraged the family not to fight among themselves, because the suspect knows why he did what he did
Ntombi Mkhwanazi from Amavikela Mbuso said they are sad because Mtshali was one of them.

“We reject the poison of violence in all its forms. GBV is not a women’s issue, but a human rights crisis. Both men and women have a moral duty to end it,” she said.

Ward 74 Clr Thulane Simelane said too many families have lost loved ones to violence.

“What do we say to these things? We are here now, but what will happen when we go back to our homes?” he said.

Simelane urged law enforcement to educate the community on how to report cases and to whom to report them.

“Cases like this also take a while in court. Communities go out in their numbers, but soon people start getting tired of going to court. True support is asking the family how best we can assist them,” he said.

The event was hosted by the Community Movement Forum led by Jabu Thela. The suspect will appear in the Springs Magistrate’s Court on December 12.