Ramaphosa ‘disheartened by war on women’
President Cyril Ramaphosa has decried the latest surge in gender-based violence since the country eased its lockdown regulations.
In the recent weeks, several women and children have been killed at the hands of men.
Heavily pregnant 28-year-old Tshegofatso Pule was found hanging from a tree in Roodepoort earlier this month.
#TshegofatsoPule Earlier in court. Malephane was weeping and shaking. pic.twitter.com/AfU5RAtJ7n
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) June 17, 2020
In a scathing address on Wednesday evening, Ramaphosa called for an end to the violent crimes.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I stand before the women a f the girls of South Africa this evening that is raging in our country- the killing of women and children by the men of our country,” Ramaphosa said.
“I am appalled by what is no less than a war that is being waged against the women and the children of our country.”
Evelyn de Kock, Naledi Phangindawo, Nompumelelo Chaka, Altecia Kortjie and daughter Raynecia are also among the latest high-profile cases of femicide.
ALSO READ:
Eersterust murder accused to remain behind bars
De Kock was found dead, with numerous stab wounds, in her outside room in Eersterust on Sunday. READ: Suspect in court for Tshegofatso Pule murder The 50-year-old suspect appeared before Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Wednesday following his arrest on Monday. The suspect is believed to be the victim's boyfriend, Clayton Andrews.
“No fewer than 21 women and children. They’re killers thought they could silence them.
“But we will not forget them, and we will speak for them, where they themselves cannot.”
Ramaphosa said South Africa is fighting two pandemics but believes the country can recover from both.
“At a time when the coronavirus pandemic has left us feeling vulnerable and uncertain, violence is being unleashed on the women and children of our country with a brutality that defies any form of comprehension.”
He added that the government is working tirelessly to tighten laws and resources to protect the vulnerable.
LISTEN TO FULL SPEECH: