Maidens from different areas who attended the Reed Dance gathered outside the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday. They were there to show their support for seven other maidens who were allegedly sexually assaulted at a maiden’s camp in Gluckstadt, Zwathi area of Ward 4 in AbaQulusi Local Municipality.

Mayor expresses concern

Although the suspect did not appear in court, as the magistrate was not available on the day, AbaQulusi Mayor Sifiso Mkhwanazi addressed the maidens and expressed his concern over the allegations.

“These little girls are here today because they fear it might be them someday.

“This is a serious matter that needs to be looked at closely,” said Mkhwanazi.

He further said that community leaders and the maidens’ guardians were in contact with the investigating officer and would work closely with the police until the matter was finalised.

Maidens call for justice

On Friday, the maidens were again seen in the streets of Vryheid and outside the court, singing and holding placards calling for an end to gender-based violence (GBV) and demanding that the suspect not be granted bail.

The matter was heard in court but was postponed for a formal bail application. He has not pleaded.

Women march against GBV

Also on Friday, women joined Mkhwanazi for a ‘Walk and Cry for Change’ march through the streets of Vryheid.

The march started at the AbaQulusi Local Municipality offices and ended at the AbaQulusi Plaza taxi rank.

The march was a call by women to end gender-based violence, particularly the killing of women, as there are many reports of women’s bodies being found in Ekurhuleni, allegedly after being murdered.

The organisers stressed that the killing of women is not limited to Ekurhuleni, but is a scourge affecting communities across South Africa.

Women shown self-defence techniques

The women were also shown self-defence techniques that could be used to protect themselves in situations such as an attempted abduction or physical attack.

Mkhwanazi urged women to take the demonstrations seriously and equip themselves with skills that could help them protect their lives.

“I want to send my sincere apologies to all women, as they are suffering at the hands of the people they gave birth to.

“One must take these demonstrations seriously and attend the necessary gym classes to be able to defend oneself.

“We, as men, have a duty to protect you. But you, as women, also have a duty to take care of yourselves and be responsible for your lives.”

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.