Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement walks against GBV amid scourge in the area
The walk was triggered by the recent murders of women, two who were stabbed to death by their boyfriends while the other was killed by a schoolmate.
Following a scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in Mayibuye, the Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement hosted a walk against what is dubbed a ‘curse in the township’.
The peaceful march took place on November 22 from Mayibuye Community Hall, two days before the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children from November 25 to December 10.
Despite the scorching heat, about 200 people took to the streets of the township that’s plagued by the killing of women by the people who claim to love them – their boyfriends.
Also read: NCR and Midrand police walk against GBV in Midrand
The marchers were accompanied by the Rabie Ridge police and patrollers.
While police sirens sounded, the procession stopped at the corner of Edmond Shezi and Ritavi streets where Modjadji Senyolo was allegedly brutally stabbed to death by her boyfriend
The protesters proceeded to Theresa and Ukhozi streets where Iviwe Gwededa was attacked and killed by a schoolmate. At a third location on the corner of Sagwityi A and B streets, the marchers paid their last respects to Evidence Montlana who was also murdered by her boyfriend.
The activist movement’s chairperson Loyiso Sohoyiya said, “ In the past couple of weeks, we find ourselves in a situation where community members perish through violence. And as the movement, we say one death is too many. So we are trying to ensure we educate our community about the dangers of violence and the obstacles it brings to the community.
“Going forward, we hope every member participates in such walks because, for the past few weeks, it has been hectic in Mayibuye. The aim is to curb this kind of violence.”
Community pastor and member of the movement Mpilo Moyo said they hear disturbing stories of fathers sleeping with their daughters.
Also read: MEC Mazibuko visits Region A to tackle GBV
“It is disturbing to hear some of these stories where men sleep with their daughters. It’s very disgusting because a mentally-able man respects women. That is why we took the initiative today. A woman is supposed to feel safe in the presence of men and not feel scared and terrified,” said Mpilo.
Sector 2 Crime Forum manager Sergeant Ngwako Eddy Selotola said everyone had a right to open a case, protection order or both.
“We are happy with the turnout and we urge the community not to turn a blind eye to any GBV cases happening within the community. “They must report it and as the police, we will ensure that we investigate it and leave no stone unturned when it comes to arresting [the perpetrators],” added Selotola.
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