Hammanskraal teen murder sparks new GBV concerns
Over the past weekend, the Hammanskraal community was rocked by the discovery of a 19-year-old woman’s lifeless body.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has expressed deep concern over the alarming surge in violent crimes against women and children, particularly in the wake of a tragic incident in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria.
Over the past weekend, Hammanskraal was rocked by the discovery of the lifeless body of a young woman, aged 19.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said the 19-year-old’s body was found under a bridge in Babelegi.
“The body was found under the bridge with stab wounds in the neck and by then was not identified until the police saw her pictures on social media and contacted the family to come and identify her.”
A case of murder is still under investigation. No arrest has been made as yet.
“SAPS is appealing to the community to come forward with any information that would help with the investigation and the arrest of the suspect,” said Van Dyk.
The department’s Cassius Selala has reiterated that the continuous disregard for women’s right and their safety can’t be normalised.
“The department regrets the disturbing number of rape cases that are being reported at different police stations across the country. The recent crime statistics show that between April and June, a total of 9 309 rape cases and 6 198 murder cases were registered.
“These statistics call upon society to be on high alert over the growing rape and murder culture of young girls and children in South Africa. Just over the weekend, two provinces, Gauteng and Limpopo, have witnessed brutal crimes and violence. This severe violence involved 16 and 19-year-old girls in Madikana village in Limpopo and also in Hammanskraal in Tshwane. Both the lifeless bodies of the 16-year-old from Madikana village, Limpopo province and the 19-year-old teens from Hammanskraal in Tshwane were found in the bush and also under Babelegi bridge in Hammanskraal.
“Women’s rights are fundamental human rights that include the right to be free from violence and discrimination,” said Selala.
He said the continuous disregard for women’s rights and their safety will never be normalised in South Africa.
“The government has put in place systems such as the Constitution and legislation aimed at fighting crime in our country.
“Advocacy for women’s rights and gender mainstreaming are both important strategies for achieving gender equality and social justice through solid partnerships with communities, NGOs, and community policing forums, as well as faith-based organisations.”
Selala added that there is a need to join hands in defending and protecting the rights of all South Africans, particularly women and children.
The Hammanskraal SAPS have shown a decrease in rape cases in the latest quarterly crime statistics released by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu for the 2024/25 financial year.
Eight cases of rape were reported, as compared to the 12 from the last year.
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