Domestic Violence Claims Another Life in Free StateDomestic Violence Claims Another Life in Free State Despite widespread condemnation and protests, gender-based violence continues to escalate in the Free State. In a tragic incident on Wednesday evening, a woman was brutally stabbed to death in Bothaville, allegedly by her husband. Police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli reported that the husband informed the Bothaville police station of his wife’s body found near an informal settlement. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the deceased with multiple stab wounds. The suspect, a 29-year-old male, was arrested and charged with murder. He will appear in court soon, as investigations proceed. Protests and Court Proceedings This heinous crime occurred on the same day that the Mangaung region witnessed a march against gender-based violence. Led by provincial officials and various organizations, the protest aimed to demand justice for victims and raise awareness about the prevalence of such violence. Coincidentally, the march coincided with a court hearing for Stephen Songezo, accused of murdering his girlfriend, Mpho Moalosi. Songezo’s case has been adjourned to August 15, 2024. He also faces charges in several other GBV cases. In a separate incident, Simphiwe Macdonald Masithela appeared in court on Tuesday for allegedly killing his girlfriend. His case has been postponed to July 9. Concerted Efforts to Combat Gender-Based Violence Free State Prime Minister MaQueen Letshoha Mathae has strongly condemned the recent upsurge in gender-based violence and urged men, religious groups, and organizations to take decisive action. “The killing of women in our province is a crisis that requires urgent intervention,” Mathae stated. “We must collectively create a secure environment for our women and children.” A Persistent Problem Despite protests, public outrage, and government initiatives, gender-based violence continues to plague the Free State. The recent incidents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions and unwavering commitment to end this scourge within the province.
Free State organisations, churches and government officials opposing GBV. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi.
The persistent pleas for an end to the killing of women and children in the Free State appear to have fallen on deaf ears, following reports of the murder of another woman by her husband in Bothaville.
Free State Police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli reported that at around 16:20hrs on Wednesday (3/7), a man arrived at the Bothaville police station seeking assistance. He claimed that his wife was lying in a pool of blood near an informal settlement called “Mezwinking”.
Police and emergency medical services rushed to the scene, found the woman with multiple stab wounds and pronounced her dead.
‘This happened on the same day that men and women marched against gender-based violence’
“Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of the 29-year-old husband for murder. The investigation continues and the suspect will appear in court soon,” Kareli said.
This harrowing incident took place on the same day that men and women from across the Mangaung region marched to the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court to protest against the widespread gender-based violence in the province.
The march, led by Free State Prime Minister MaQueen Letshoha Mathae, Mangaung Metro chairperson Lawrence Mathae, church leaders, members of the former prime minister’s foundation and various organisations, called for justice for all women who have been victims of such violence.
Men and women from various organizations, churches and the provincial government march against GBV. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi.
The protest took place during yet another court hearing for Stephen Songezo, who recently made headlines for the murder of his girlfriend, a teacher at Tsoseletso High School, Mpho Moalosi.
Songezo’s case has been adjourned until August 15, 2024. He is also being investigated in 14 other cases of GBV and will appear in court on July 18 in a separate rape case.
In another case, Simphiwe Macdonald Masithela appeared in Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Tuesday (2/7) for allegedly stabbing and killing his girlfriend. His case was postponed to Tuesday (9/7) after his lawyer requested more time to gather bail information, which the prosecution did not object to.
Prime Minister Mathae has spoken out about the recent incidents of violence against women in the province, calling on men, church leaders and organisations to take a strong stand against gender-based violence.
“The killing of women in our province is a crisis that demands immediate and decisive action,” Mathae said. “We must all come together to create a safe environment for our women and children.”
Despite numerous protests, public outrage and government initiatives, gender-based violence remains a plague in the Free State.
OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi
