Executive Mayor of the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) Brenda Mahuma has condemned the gang rape and brutal killing of a woman at an informal settlement at the Randfontein Dumping Site last Thursday, August 19.
In a media statement released by the Mayor’s office, she offered her condolences to the family and friends of the victim. She said police confirmed to her that one suspect had been arrested while another five remained at large.
Read initial article here: Woman’s body found at dumping site, police searching for four suspects
“The high levels of gender-based violence in our community are immoral and unacceptable to our conscience. It is a betrayal of the Constitution for which many fought and gave their lives. Our women and children are under attack and our society is bleeding from a wound that does not seem to heal.
“Over the years our community has been deeply traumatised by acts of extreme violence perpetrated by men against women and children. These cruel acts of violence have made women to fear the very same men that are supposed to love and protect them.”
She said such acts have led to women dying at the hands of men, and this form of behaviour continues to ruin society.
“As a community and parents to boys, we must raise them to respect girls and women as their equals,” Mahuma added.
“Women should remind the opposite gender that they do not deserve harassment and violence on the streets, in schools and campuses, on public transport, and even places of work and worship, and in their own homes.
Also read: Police ask for information about rape and murder
“It is our responsibility as the community of Rand West City to protect women from physical abuse in all spheres of life.”
She said this is the time to rebuild the social fabric of society.
“The public, the media, faith-based groups, traditional organisations and business people must all come together to fight this mentality that our brothers are obsessed with – gender-based violence.
Mahuma advised women to remain safe at all times, and refrain from getting in situations that could put them at peril.
“I would like to caution all women to abstain from accepting lifts from strangers, consuming too much alcohol and walking alone at night because this behaviour turns them into victims. Let us build a community which strives to do better, no matter how challenging the circumstances. Take care.”
