IT’S been a year since Tshegofatso Pule was found hanging from a tree in Durban Deep, Roodepoort.
Some people avoided going to the place where her body was found.
However, they faced their fears on Sunday, 6 June during a remembrance ceremony.
Tshegofatso’s aunt, Busi Zuma, said: “We know she was already gone by the time she got here. First they shot her and drugged her.
“Our government must make women’s safety a priority.”
Patrick Shai from the Khuluma Ndoda organisation said Mzansi was not a safe place.
“I can’t keep quiet. This tree refused to keep quiet. It told a story.
“This tree worked like a camera and took pictures of Tshegofatso’s last moments,” said Patrick.
He questioned the whereabouts of Shoba’s family and friends.
“Why are Shoba’s friends quiet? Why are Malephane friends quiet? Where are they and why are they quiet? Where are the men today to show support? This simply shows we have a long way to go. Men must disown friends who do wrong.”
Tshepo Mokoena, the uncle of Karabo Mokoena who was killed by her boyfriend in 2017, said he was ashamed to call himself a man.
“Women are being killed and raped on a daily basis by men.
“In 2017, I asked what do you say as a mum when your daughter brings home designer clothes and expensive gifts, yet they aren’t working? Where do you think they got it from?”
He said women should unite and kill patriarchy and dependence.
Poppy Mailula, EFF deputy secretary-general, said: “We were shocked and disturbed when we heard of Tshego’s death. We will continue fighting, not only for you, but for all the women who are suffering. Our justice system is failing all of us in South Africa.”
The ceremony was wrapped up in prayer and a candle lighting ceremony, which later turned into a celebration of life filled with singing and dancing.
Muzikayise Malephane who killed Tshego was sentenced to 30 years in prison, while Ntuthuko Shoba, the alleged mastermind, will be on trial on 4 October.
