Sonke is deeply saddened to learn of the brutal murder of Eastern Cape’s woman traditional leader mam’Nogcinile Mtirara, who was allegedly assassinated at Mqhekezweni Great Place in the Bityi administrative area, earlier this week. Mtirara was a relative of former president Nelson Mandela and the granddaughter-in-law of AbaThembu king Jongintaba Mtirara. This brutal killing takes place in a province where there is a spike in gun related murders.
It is not yet clear as to the motive or the persons involved in this dastardly act. Sonke extends its deepest condolences to the royal family of Mqhekezweni and the community.
“We are appalled by the high levels of violence in the Eastern Cape province. Gender based violence should be a concern for every citizen especially men and boys who are often alleged to be perpetrators. It is time that we as men start holding each other accountable, openly condemn this violence and take a stand against this brutality.” said Patrick Godana, Community Education and Mobilisation Provincial Manager.
In a separate incident, five Grade 12 pupils of the Jongintaba Secondary School were allegedly raped in Bityi outside Mthatha. The learners were allegedly raped at gunpoint by two men at their private boarding lodges.
“This happens during the matric examination period. We learn that these girls defied this brutal act and went on to write their exams. It certainly would not have been easy for them to do this. We salute their spirit of defiance to take control of their lives despite this massive challenge. We hope that both the departments of education and social development will provide them with all the necessary psychosocial support needed in this instance. ” Godana said.
Sonke calls on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all the culprits involved in all the above crimes are brought to book.
Issued by Sonke Gender Justice.
For media enquiries contact
Kgomotso Mophulane, Communications & Strategic Information Manager, Sonke Gender Justice on kgomotso@genderjustice.org.za or 0835196187.
Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice on bafana@genderjustice.org.za or 082 5784479.
Note to editors
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation. For media releases, reports and news visit https://genderjustice.org.za/ and https://genderjustice.org.za/newsletter-signup/
