Sosh residents furious over women abuse

Soshanguve residents have expressed their hurt and anger over the killing and abuse of women and children with many saying the government was not doing enough curb the scourge.

They called on the government to take measures to save the lives of the women of South Africa.

The recent killings of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a UCT student murdered at the post office, Thembisile Yende, an Eskom employee also murdered, Jesse Hess, a UWC student murdered alongside with her family at their home and Janika Mallo, found dead in her grandmother’s yard, were a few amongst many women who became victims of abuse and sexual violence.

First-year education student at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Sinenhlanhla Malaza (19) said perpetrators of abuse did not deserve bail.

“The government is wrong when it comes to the fact that they grant these perpetrators bail. The men that do this to women should not be allowed to be free because if they are free, they are more likely to do it again,” said Malaza.

With all the reports of abuse, killings and kidnapping of women and children, Twitter hashtags #AmInext created a platform for many victims to open up about their experiences and expose the culprits.

People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) has said the great percentage of women joining the hashtag were South African and called for a solution.

“With the high level of women being abused daily, it is of great importance to men to get help of any sort so this matter can be dealt with immediately,” said Sehlomeng Makgema of POWA.

READ MORE: South Africa’s shocking gender-based violence statistics

Soshanguve resident and local salon owner Grace Anane (28) told Rekord that she had also been a victim of violence.

“About four men came into my salon and held me [up] at knifepoint last Saturday. They threatened to kill me then took money. I no longer feel safe. For me to run a successful business I need to be public and that jeopardises my safety as a woman,” said Anane.

Victims have often said the perpetrators were close relatives.

TUT consumer studies student Mosubudi Mashaba (23) said she was concerned at the rising gender-based violence in South Africa.

“It is of great tragedy to see how many women are opening up about how their assailants are people who they thought they could trust. If someone we are supposed to regard as family is the one who brings pain to us, then who are we supposed to run to?” said Mashaba.

Security guard Moses Koshane (46) said: “I am a black parent myself and my people do not like to have sexual conversations with their children. I am not making excuses for this abuse that is happening. It is unacceptable. We as parents can also start by teaching our young ones about what is wrong and right and maybe that is the starting point to resolve this issue.”

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