EFF fights for ‘abused women’ to find justice

'In South Africa, no one respects a black woman,' says the EFF's Mashego, but not if they can help it.

Members of the EFF protest outside the Wierdabrug Police Station in Centurion, 8 May 2017, they were protesting to demand justice for a woman and victim of domestic violence. Picture: Jacques Nelles

The case involving the assault of a Germiston woman, Boitumelo Mokgadi, whose shoulder was allegedly twisted and broken by her partner, will be heard in court after a prosecutor initially threw it out.

Mokgadi was with her stepchildren in Centurion when her partner allegedly attacked her in their home, twisting her arm until the bones in her shoulder cracked.

She was left with scars and had to have metal pins put in her arm.

According to Gauteng EFF acting chairperson Mandisa Mashego, the man was arrested two months ago after evidence was collected. But the matter did not go to court as the prosecutor told Mokgadi to leave as she did not have a case.

Mandisa Mashego, acting EFF gauteng chairperson, speaks to media and EFF members outside the Wierdabrug Police Station in Centurion, 8 May 2017. They were protesting to demand justice for a woman and victim of domestic violence. Picture: Jacques Nelles

“When the case went from the police station to the court, it was not placed on the roll. When they got to court, the victim was called by the prosecutor, who chased her out and told her to leave as she had no case,” said Mashego.

“He then apparently met with the perpetrator and his lawyer and the matter ended there. That means she (Mokgadi) did not get justice.”

Picture: Jacques Nelles

After sending letters to the police, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) last week, Mashego said the matter would return to court.

Speaking outside the Wierdabrug Police Station in Centurion yesterday, the area where the alleged abuse took place, Mashego said she met the station commander and Ipid and they assured her they would follow through on the matter.

An Ipid detective would take over the case, while a senior prosecutor would ensure the matter went before a magistrate, she said.

“We are not saying the rights of this man must go away. We are saying the rights of the victim must be strengthened and the administration of justice should happen swiftly. In South Africa, no one respects a black woman,” she added.