Candith Mashego-Dlamini addressed the community of Nkomazi Block on issues affecting them, such as gender-based violence (GBV), femicide, drugs and alcohol abuse which continue to pose threats to all South Africans’ health, safety, and well-being. The event was held on Friday May 27.

She was accompanied by various officials and stakeholders, including the members of the diplomatic community, the Nkomazi mayor, Johan Mkhatshwa, Nkomazi Municipality’s speaker, Sphiwe Masilela, and Chief Sandile Ngomane.

In her address Candith Mashego-Dlamini highlighted that Nkomazi as a middle town between two borders, has a high incidences of GBV and taverns are hotspots of many crimes, such as rape and femicide.

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She said Nkomazi is a region which is densely populated because many people move here because of its central location.

“According to statistics, this town is plagued by GBV, rape, and femicide, all of which are thorns in the community’s flesh. Molestation appears to be the norm, and these criminals find it simple to murder and kidnap young girls and women. There are certain men in Nkomazi who seem to be human but are actually animals on the inside. When cases are opened, our police work hard to apprehend the criminals, but after a few days, they are released because the people withdraw the cases.”

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“We are here today to urge the community to refrain from taking bribes to withdraw cases, because you obstruct justice from taking its course. We suggest that bottle store and bar owners keep an eye on their establishments to ensure that such incidents and misuse do not occur.”

At the event a resident, Thabiso Shongwe, said if the local police stop taking bribes and justice would prevail.
“If our cops and judges avoid taking bribes or favouring the privileged, our justice system will be strong, and culprits will remain jailed, setting a powerful example for all other criminals,” said Shongwe.

Ngomane said, “As men we must contribute to the battle against GBV and advocate for the protection of women. This issue of GBV does not harm women only, it affects the entire community. We can win this war if all women can report domestic violence to the police.”
Food, clothing, blankets, and toiletries were donated by members of the diplomatic community to the Masisukumeni NPO, a home for abused women and children.