Last week, South Africans across the country turned their profile pictures purple in solidarity with victims of gender–based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The campaign, known as the Women’s Shutdown and organised by Women for Change, was timed to coincide with the G20 leaders’ summit, a reminder that while global leaders meet, far too many women are affected by GBVF in the country.

Read more: Man in custody for alleged rape of a vulnerable woman 

In Alexandra, the GBV is equally concerning. GBV Brigades’ Lizzy Sithole captured the scale of the crisis bluntly, noting that Alexandra has children from the ages of two to 22 who are being raped in the community. Sithole, a familiar figure in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court, has become a staunch supporter of victims, often accompanying them through the legal process.

Speaking at an event hosted by the City of Johannesburg’s NGO Sector and Uncedolwabantu organisation, Sithole said she had attended the case of a vulnerable 19-year-old rape survivor.

Also read: Alexandra sees an increase of rape, common assault, and contact crime cases

Another case currently before the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court involves a 22–year–old woman with cognitive limitations who was allegedly raped twice by a local hairdresser she had known since childhood.

The suspect, arrested and denied bail, remains in custody. Yet the trauma inflicted on the young woman and her family is far from resolved. The 22-year-old, according to her relative, Busisiwe Mavimbela, is still traumatised. “She is not herself anymore. She has lost weight, she has nightmares, and keeps dreaming of the man restraining her.”

Mavimbela said that the assaults occurred in May and June. In the first incident, the suspect allegedly closed the salon’s sliding door and coerced her under the pretext of being ‘partners.’ When she refused, he reportedly raped her. A month later, she returned to the same salon and was allegedly assaulted again, this time more violently. She was restrained, silenced, and threatened..

The family only learned of the ordeal in August, after the survivor refused to return to the hairdresser, and they reported the case to the local police station and had the suspect arrested. Despite the suspect’s detention, the family continues to grapple with the aftermath of the incidents. “We are not okay, but we have to be strong for her,” Mavimbela said.

The suspect is expected back in court on December 11.

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