FOLLOWING the tragic death of a Mangosuthu University of Technology student, KZN Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza has called on communities to protect women and vulnerable groups from gender-based violence.
Xolile Mbatha (23), an electrical engineering student, was allegedly killed by a fellow student at Ark Royal Residence on Sunday, 31 July, after a dispute.
Khoza said continued acts of women abuse were unacceptable.
“We have also enacted laws to ensure people who violate women’s rights are given jail sentences that befit their crimes. However, incidents of women abuse continue to plague our society, which means we need to devise new ways to ensure the protection of women. It, therefore, becomes important that all community structures should be engaged to ensure they also play their role in the fight against women abuse. We are engaging NGOs, traditional leaders and faith-based organisations among others to play their role in the fight against gender-based violence,” she said.
Khoza said that the department won’t relent on its fight to ensure the protection of women.
“Women have rights, like any other citizen. It is, therefore, shocking to note that almost on a daily basis we receive reports on women abuse, with some losing their lives at the hands of men. There is something seriously wrong with our society and it must be addressed urgently,” she said.
KZN police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said Point police were called to a residence at Mahatma Gandhi Road where a 23-year-old female was stabbed and killed.
Gwala said it is alleged that the victim was killed by a known suspect following a domestic dispute.
She was declared dead on the scene.
“A case of murder was opened at Point SAPS and the matter is under investigation,” said Gwala.
