Rabie Ridge community comes together to demand justice for murdered mother
The peaceful march saw about 250 community members raise their concerns about the delay in the murder of Francis van der Merwe.
As part of the national gender-based violence (GBV) campaign, the Rabie Ridge community came together to hand over a memorandum of demands to the local police station.
This happened on November 21 during the national campaign by Women for Change against GBV.
Read more: Emotional art therapy and reflections session following 16 Days of Activism against GBV
About 250 community members, dressed in black, met in Delta Park to raise concerns about the prolonged investigation into Francis van der Merwe’s murder case.
Van Der Merwe, also known as Twiggy, was murdered by unknown suspects on December 16, 2023.
Also read: Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement walks against GBV amid scourge in the area
March organisers, Youth Movement, together with residents, embarked on a peaceful march to the police station.
The movement said the purpose of the memorandum was to express grave concern regarding the extended delay in the investigation of Van Der Merwe’s murder, a resident of Rabie Ridge.
“This ongoing delay has
intensified the distress experienced by her loved ones and the broader community, raising fears that it may signal a disregard for the value of women’s lives,” said the movement.
They said the lack of progress has led to a growing sense of hopelessness and vulnerability, especially among women living alone in the community.
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Francis van der Merwe’s daughter addresses attendees, urging those with information to come forward. Video: Sphiwe Masilela #GBV #Midrand ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
“The community has voiced apprehension that unresolved cases of GBV undermine trust in the justice process and perpetuate
fear. Residents, and particularly women, now feel increasingly unsafe and unsupported.”
Acting station commander at the Rabie Ridge Police Station, Lieutenant Colonel AJ van der Walt, said the justice system was letting them down.
“I spoke with Kanana residents and urged them not to mediate cases. GBV cases are severe, and from the police station’s side, we do take them seriously. We undertake to look into your memorandum and give feedback after three weeks,” said Van Der Walt.
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