POLOKWANE – “Things have changed. Women are the ones leading this province through me, and they are tired of being abused.”

These were the sentiments of Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, who along with other members of the executive visited the family of the murdered Mpho Mokwele (31), allegedly at the hands of her partner, in Lithuli Park on Monday.

The premier said those in the relevant executive portfolios will follow up on cases such as these, “and request new prosecutors if we realise the ones in charge are failing victims”.

“These suspects must receive maximum sentences to send a message to those who may be tempted to break the law.”

Mokwele’s death has once again sparked the need for strategies in terms of dealing with gender-based violence.

The premier, joined by MECs and Capricorn District Mayor Mamedupi Teffo spent the better part of their Monday morning at the Seshego Magistrate’s Court to witness the outcome of the suspect’s bail application, that took place in absentia as he had been hospitalised following a mob attack.

Mokwele, a mother and teacher, was stabbed several times following an altercation, and died upon arrival at hospital.

According to a police statement, Mokwele was killed on Thursday at around 09:00.

“The suspect took the victim’s mother’s vehicle and drove off. The victim then alerted her mother, who called him and insisted that he return the vehicle. The 30-year-old man did as instructed, but a violent altercation followed,” the statement reads.

Police confirmed that Mokwele had been stabbed in the upper body several times, before collapsing.

“Following the incident, the suspect attempted to flee the scene, but he was cornered and assaulted by the community. Police rushed to the scene and found him with open wounds, and he too was transported to hospital for medical treatment under police guard.”

During the visit this week, the premier was stern in calling on the justice system in the new administration to handle GBV cases in favour of abused individuals, emphasising that she and other political leaders would follow up on court cases and relevant role players, including the courts, doctors, forensic experts, the police and others, to do their jobs.

Social Development MEC Florence Radzilani who was also in court, confirmed that the suspect had been hospitalised and she pledged the department’s psychosocial support for both families until justice is served.