A birthday celebration that went horribly wrong resulted in the death of a young mother, Thokozile Ellen Skhosana, on January 29 which set the wheels in motion of the thorny issue of gender-based-violence.
The community organisation #IAM, has vociferously opposed the bail application of the accused, Jan Mofokeng, in the murder case.
A pub in Standerton was where Ellen was allegedly shot by the father of her child.
Her brother was also shot in the leg and Mofokeng fled the scene, leaving his car behind.
He was on the loose and police launched a manhunt.
Mofokeng handed himself over to police on Monday, February 7 in the company of his lawyer.
His first court appearance in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court was on the same day, where he was formally charged.
Mofokeng was remanded in custody and the case was postponed to February 15, for a formal bail application.
#IAM called on their members to opposes the bail application, wearing their trade-mark colour, black.
The organisation demanded that a strong message be sent to all the perpetrators that no mercy will be shown to them.
“We appeal to the court to ensure that the case is moved to the High Court urgently to ensure a speedy trial, and in turn, enable Thokozile’s family to find closure,” one of their posts on Facebook read.
The case was postponed to February 25, with members of #IAM planning another picketing on Thursday, March 3.
A group gathered at the court in the morning with placards, a photo of Ellen and the banner of the organisation in front.
Their treasurer, Leko Ndlele, said afterwards that they are pleased with the proceedings as Mofokeng’s bail application was revoked.
#IAM called on the community to make their presence felt in Standerton at the next scheduled court date, April 6.
Ndlele emphasised that a stand must be taken against all forms of abuse.
The accused is still in custody.
