The delay by our Courts in issuing protection orders has been blamed as part of the reason why women are murdered, before perpetrators of abuse are brought to book. These and other sentiments were shared by IFP Women’s Brigade (IFPWB) members who gathered outside Mbumbulu Court, South of Durban, to protest the murder of Philisiwe Mvubu, who was allegedly killed by her husband.
Sibusiso Mvubu briefly appeared before the Court on Wednesday. He allegedly killed his wife with a grinding machine, before fleeing to Nquthu, where he was apprehended.
His bail application hearing was postponed to Monday, 12 July.
The IFP is also concerned by the backlog in forensic reports, resulting in many important cases involving women and children assault being unsuccessfully prosecuted.
We have also noted that more women who are victims of abuse are withdrawing cases, in the hope that perpetrators will change their ways.
We plead with women to refrain from enduring abuse in the name of love. We have long passed the time for observing the culture of perseverance entrenched by our parents. We call for women who observe or experience signs of abusive behaviour in the early stages of their relationships to leave, before such abuse results in death.
We have noted with concern the increase in barbaric acts in the South of Durban, with three brutal incidents taking place in two neighbouring wards (98 and 109) in less than a period of two months.
We reiterate the pledge of our President Emeritus, Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, President Velenkosi Hlabisa, IFP Women’s Brigade Chairperson, Princess Phumzile Buthelezi, and IFP Youth Brigade Chairperson, Mthokozisi Nxumalo, taken in Pietermaritzburg in 2019 to protect women and children.
As we fast approach the month of August, traditionally set aside for women’s celebrations, may South Africans reflect on these atrocities and take it upon themselves to educate their daughters, sisters and friends to put themselves first, and desist from being pressurised to stay in unhealthy relationships.
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Contact:
eThekwini IFP Caucus Whip
Ms Ntombifuthi Gumede
071 405 8871