Accused in murder case remains in custody as protesters demand justice
Demonstrators outside the Mamelodi Magistrates’ Court urged the justice system to take a firm stand against femicide, saying granting of bail devalues women’s lives.
Angry Mamelodi residents, including representatives from different organisations, protested outside the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, demanding justice for slain Sibongile Hadebe.
This comes after Hadebe’s body was found burnt on June 3 near her residence in Mamelodi East.
The community has submitted a petition with over 600 signatures, demanding that bail not be granted to the accused.
Thabang Mohlamuza, ANCYL Regional Tshwane deputy chairperson, said, “We [are] gathered outside the court to support the late Sibongile Hadebe and her family.
“We signed a petition not only for Hadebe, but for all the women who might be victimised later by such people, who are [then] given bail.
“We are demanding justice in the name of Sibongile Hadebe, and we can’t allow a situation whereby it is normal that Sibongile’s name will be a statistic to the number of GBV in our society.
“[By] picketing outside the court, we are saying that we are tired and no more shall it be a norm that women shall be killed by those who claim to love them.
“We are saying ‘no more shall it be that families be shattered because of this evil called femicide’, which is a pandemic in the entire nation.”
Signs carried by picketers demanded that people accused in such cases should not be granted bail, as this sends a dangerous message to society.
They also demanded that harsh sentences be given to those found guilty.
“If we are allowing criminals like this [to be] granted bail, we are saying women’s lives do not matter. We are saying they should continue harming people,” Mohlamuza added.
He pleaded with the courts to speed up the court proceedings, saying, “justice delayed is justice denied.”
Hadebe was reported missing at the Mamelodi Police Station after she was last seen on May 19.
Her charred remains were found near her residence by her brother three days after she was reported missing, and her identity was then confirmed after DNA tests were performed by police.
The accused, who has abandoned his bail application, is facing a charge of murder. The case was postponed to October 8 for further investigation.
The picketers were pleased that the accused will remain in police custody, and feel that the only thing the court can do is give the Hadebe’s family closure.
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