Too many perpetrators of gender-based violence are walking free, said UN Women executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who was speaking via a video link in a message of support at the launch of the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation (UMF) in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape on Friday.
She said people posing a danger to women should be removed from society. “The institutions that are responsible for prosecuting crimes against women have to jack up. When these institutions work effectively, perpetrators will have something to be afraid of,” she said.
She called for a co-ordinated multi-stakeholder approach, which would include police, prosecutors, gender violence activists supporting the survivors, and the health department to work together in a formalised manner.
“We also need to change the norms and behaviour in society, especially the norms and behaviour of men and boys,” she said.
Luyanda Botha, a former SA Post Office employee, confessed to raping and bludgeoning the 19-year-old UCT student to death on August 24 at the Clareinch Post Office in Cape Town. Mrwetyana had gone to collect a parcel when she was attacked by Botha, who is serving three life imprisonment sentences.
Mrwetyana’s mother Nomangwane Mrwetyana said at the launch the family appreciated the swift police action, although they were not fully satisfied with the sentence, but was what the State saw fit according to the law.
“We are thankful for the swift action, such as the conviction and sentencing of the perpetrator. Though it does not bring back what we’ve lost, it enables us to move forward from mourning to celebrating her life and continue the fight against gender-based violence,” she said.
Nomangwane also offered her condolences to the family of Limpopo student Precious
Ramabulana, 21, who had been raped and stabbed to death in her off-campus residence recently.