Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a deep and painful concern for communities across the iLembe district, with recent cases highlighting the devastating toll it continues to take.

In KwaDukuza, four shocking incidents have recently raised alarm. In Ntshawini, a woman was killed in front of her child. Just days earlier, in Gledhow, another woman was allegedly raped by her boyfriend at knifepoint.

In Nkobongo, a seven-year-old girl was raped a few weeks ago, while in Ballito, a domestic violence incident led to an attempted suicide.

These incidents form part of a worrying pattern of violence that extends across the district. According to iLembe Community Policing Forum public relations officer Gugu Ngema, from KwaHlomendlini in Newark, the Mandeni area alone receives at least five child abuse cases per month, either sexual or physical.

“That’s just Mandeni. The number is much higher when you include the rest of the district. Something really needs to be done,” said Ngema.

Josha Daniel, founder of The Rise Up Movement, said nearly 200 interim protection orders were issued in the past three months, but only 26 were finalised.

“Most applications are withdrawn because victims don’t return to court or they fear intimidation or losing financial support from their abusers,” he said.

“On the North Coast, we have recorded five new domestic violence cases in just the past two weeks. Many women and children are living in danger. Protection orders are being ignored and perpetrators are not meeting their financial obligations, leaving survivors in very unstable situations.”

Daniel added that the provincial picture is even more concerning, with more than 13 000 protection orders filed in KwaZulu-Natal in recent months.

He said intimidation of survivors remains a rising problem. Many open cases but later withdraw them due to fear or pressure from perpetrators. This not only exposes victims to further harm but also places additional pressure on already stretched police resources.

Alcohol misuse continues to fuel violent behaviour and sexual exploitation, worsening an already dire situation.

Daniel urged communities, local leaders and law enforcement to work together to strengthen prevention strategies, properly support victims and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.

“These numbers are not just statistics. They represent real people and families whose lives are being torn apart,” he said.

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