The community of Ward 11, KwaMkhize area of Hlathikhulu, stood united today (October 1) as residents held a peaceful march to raise awareness and take a firm stand against gender-based violence (GBV).

The march was in response to a string of shocking incidents in which children, the elderly and people with disabilities have reportedly been raped. Residents say that cases like these are on the rise, and accuse the police of failing to follow through on many investigations.

“There are so many rape incidents in the area that remain unsolved. Recent cases that pushed us to take action include an elderly woman being raped, a 12-year-old child raped repeatedly from 1am to 5am at knife-point while her mother was tied up with a rope, and another girl also raped in the area in a separate incident,” a community member said.

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The marchers handed over a memorandum to Ntabamhlophe SAPS Commander Mbeje, who promised to respond to the community’s grievances within two weeks.

The community stressed that the fight against GBV requires unity and stronger police action to protect the most vulnerable.

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