Various dignitaries, including John Jeffrey the Deputy Minister of Justice and Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, consulted the community of Zwelihle about the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide that exists within it.
A special moment of silence was observed for femicide victims Juanicka “Nita” Willemse of Hawston, who was murdered in 2020, Vuyiseka Bhudlwana from Zwelihle, who was stabbed to death and dumped in a wheelie bin in August 2020, Sinathi Magqazana, who was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in September 2021 and Sisipho Mayile whose body was found near Camphill earlier this year.
The community was informed that the trial of Aimsley Witbooi, who is accused of murdering Willemse, will start in the Cape High Court on 15 August.
The youth accused of murdering Vuyiseka Bhudlwana will appear in the Hermanus Magistrates’ Court on 25 February when he is expected to plead to the charges against him and Khanyile Ramba (24), the man accused of bludgeoning his girlfriend Sinathi Magqazana to death with a hammer, will appear in the Hermanus Magistrates’ Court on 24 February. Tip of the iceberg
“These murders filled everyone with shock and horror,” said Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Barbara Creecy.
“Sadly they will not be the last ones to be killed. These women represent just the tip of the iceberg beneath what appears to be a picturesque community.”
Creecy, who also heads the ANC Overstrand Constituency, stated victims of GBV often complain that when they report their abuse it is not dealt with the earnestness it deserves.
She added cases of femicide often cause “instability” and violence in communities as residents feel too many of these crimes go unpunished.
“Children living in households where GBV is prevalent consequently go on to become either perpetrators or victims of GBV later in their lives.
“Unless this problem is dealt with it transforms into a generational problem,” she cautioned.
A GBV survivor emphasised more needs to be done to assist those trying to escape domestic and gender-based violence, especially with regard to shelters for victims of domestic violence.
“Organisations, government and the police say victims should speak out, but what is done when victims speak out?” she stated.Consequences
The lack of a police station in Zwelihle, said Theron Mqhu, contributes to the high crime rate in the area.
Nomawethu Lamani said there is a desperate need for a mobile police station, even if only to certify documents, as people cannot always afford transport to Hermanus.
“If this issue is not attended to as soon as possible,” said Themba Tebele, “crime will escalate and we won’t be able to protect our women and children.”
Brigadier Donovan Heilbron, Overberg Police Cluster Commander, confirmed he and Mqhu engaged with Overstrand Municipality, which owns the property where the police station was situated, but said police were still awaiting feedback from the municipality.
Siya Notwala cautioned something needed to be done to improve people’s trust in the police before the point is reached where communities start hating police and taking the law into their own hands.
Nombulelo Notwana pointed out that it is also important to establish a platform where police officials can visit schools to teach children about the laws and consequences of crime.
Dignitaries also emphasised the importance of joining or supporting the local neighbourhood watches as this is a very important crime fighting tool.