Limpopo MEC calls for harsher sentences, no bail for GBV perpetrators
The MEC for Social Development in Limpopo Nkakareng Rakgoale has reiterated a call on courts not to grant bail to perpetrators of gender-based violence.
Rakgoale says a total of five women in Limpopo died at the hands of their partners in January alone.
READ: [WATCH] Two arrested for hit-and-run involving elderly woman, baby
This comes after Limpopo police arrested a 25-year-old man on Tuesday in connection with the murder of intern doctor Shongile Nkhwashu in her dorm room at Mankweng Hospital.
The suspect is believed to be Nkhwashu’s boyfriend.
In a statement, Rakgoale confirmed that two other women were killed by their partners, in separate incidents, over the course of the weekend.
“Vhahangwele Mukwevho (25) was beaten to death by a man after he accused her of stealing his cellphone, at Ha-Masia, Vhangani village, in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality.
“Khathutshelo Sithari (35) was allegedly killed by her partner in their rented room in Musina.”
The department’s spokesperson Witness Tiva says harsher sentences must be handed down to perpetrators of gender-based violence.
“We are once again calling on our courts not to grant bail to perpetrators of gender-based violence and also for the justice system to deal harshly with those who are found guilty of murdering women and children.”