A recent 90year sentence handed down to a child rapist in South Africa is a victory for child protection and the eradication of genderbased violence. The success of this case highlights the dedication and commitment of law enforcement in the region, and serves as a testament to the prioritization of women and children’s safety in the area.
Thapelo Edwin Mojaki, a 41yearold man from North West, South Africa, was recently sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his pregnant wife, an incident that highlights the ongoing struggle against genderbased violence (GBV). The tragic event took place on October 9, 2022, in Kolong village near Taung, forever changing the lives of the couple’s two teenage children.
The recent release of Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, the attackers of Alison Botha, on parole has triggered widespread dismay and disbelief among many South Africans. Convicted of brutally raping and stabbing Alison, the two men were released after serving 28 years in prison for their heinous crimes. Alison’s story is a reminder of the rampant sexual violence in South Africa and the urgent need for a more effective approach to addressing genderbased violence in the country.
Genderbased violence is a pervasive issue that plagues our society. However, amidst the darkness, stories such as Alison Botha’s rise as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Alison’s story is one that needs to be examined and celebrated as it offers a glimpse into the incredible power of survival and the drive to fight for justice.
DJ Maphorisa, also known as Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, is a prominent figure in the South African entertainment industry, thanks to his musical talents and his tumultuous relationship with actress Thuli Phongolo. Their relationship took a turn for the worse when Thuli accused DJ Maphorisa of assaulting her during an argument, leading to a genderbased violence case. The case has sparked controversy and discussion in the country.
Orlando Pirates, a renowned Premier Soccer League (PSL) team, has recently received backlash on social media for their statement regarding Thembinkosi Lorch’s conviction for assaulting his exgirlfriend, Nokuphiwa Mathithibala. Lorch, a star player for the team, was found guilty by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court for the incident that occurred in September 2020. He is scheduled for sentencing on July 23.
On June 6, 2023, professional football player Thembinkosi Lorch was found guilty of genderbased violence assault by the Randburg Magistrate Court. Lorch is a member of the Orlando Pirates, and the team has issued an official statement regarding their stance on the issue and the actions they have taken since the case came to light in 2020.
The Department of Social Development recently hosted dialogues in Houtbay to discuss the importance of positive parenting and child protection, with a particular focus on boys. These discussions took place ahead of the Child Protection Week campaign launching on 28 May 2023. During the dialogues, boys emphasized the need for counseling, education, and support for parents to learn positive parenting techniques.
Genderbased violence (GBV) remains critical in South Africa’s posteducation and training sector. Female students are particularly vulnerable to experiencing physical and psychological harm, as demonstrated by a Higher Health (HH) study, which found that 62% of South African students feel unsafe on campus.
In July 2022, eight women were raped in Krugersdorp, which raised concerns about handling personal information by the South African Police Service (SAPS). The personal data of the victims was leaked on internal SAPS WhatsApp groups and later found its way onto social media, causing distress to the victims and their families.
Genderbased violence (GBV) is a severe issue in South Africa, where domestic violence affects one in four women. The role of media in promoting respect, equality, and nonviolence is crucial to address this issue. However, recent events have highlighted the need for media houses to act responsibly in their portrayal of GBV.
In Cape Town, the discovery of an unidentified girl’s body on an open field at Fisantekraal has shaken the local community and raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding her death. The incident has sparked investigations by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the hopes of determining the cause of death and bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice.
In Rondebosch last year, a Cape Town police officer named Luvolwethu Kati shot and killed a homeless man named Dumisani Joxo. On Thursday, Kati’s hearing began in the Wynberg Regional Court. Kati appeared in court dressed in a redchequered shirt and green pants to face charges surrounding the incident on January 9, 2022.
In Rondebosch last year, a Cape Town police officer named Luvolwethu Kati shot and killed a homeless man named Dumisani Joxo. On Thursday, Kati’s hearing began in the Wynberg Regional Court. Kati appeared in court dressed in a redchequered shirt and green pants to face charges surrounding the incident on January 9, 2022.
In the past few months, Cape Town has experienced two separate incidents involving the shooting of city officials, which have caused widespread concern regarding the safety of those working in essential service delivery in the city. ## The First Incident
South Africa’s criminal justice system is failing victims of sexual offenses, and this problem is even more pronounced in schools. Sexual bullying in schools is a pressing issue that demands proactive measures to ensure that all learners are safe and free to learn. AfriForum has taken up the challenge, launching an antibully campaign aimed at providing resources and support for schools, educators, parents, and students.
