MEC Hlalеle condemns murders of two women in Theunissen

The Free State MEC for Social Development, Mathabo Hlalele, has strongly condemned the brutal murders of two women whose bodies were discovered at separate crime scenes in Theunissen, Lejweleputswa District.  

In a statement on Monday, the MEC described the killings as a painful reflection of the unfinished struggle for women's emancipation, emphasising that political freedom remains incomplete for as long as women continue to live under the threat of violence, abuse and femicide. 

“We cannot celebrate the gains of democracy while women are being violated and murdered in their own communities. The continued killing of women is an assault on their dignity, constitutional rights and the democratic values for which generations of South Africans fought. Patriarchy, toxic masculinity and gender inequality must be confronted decisively,” Hlalele said.

The MEC called on the South African Police Service to intensify investigations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. She urged communities to break the culture of silence, report perpetrators and refuse to protect individuals who abuse, violate and kill women. 

Hlalele further challenged men and boys to move beyond being spectators in the struggle against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and become active agents of social transformation. 

She called on traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, community structures, political formations and civil society to take a firm stand against patriarchy and all forms of violence against women. 

“We need a society that does not only condemn GBVF after women have been killed, but one that actively prevents it. Men must hold one another accountable, communities must stop shielding perpetrators, and institutions must act decisively.

“Silence in the face of violence is complicity. We cannot continue to bury our women while perpetrators walk freely among us. The fight against GBVF necessitates collaboration rather than competition,” the MEC emphasised.  

As the country approaches the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide campaign, MEC Hlalele cautioned that the struggle must go beyond annual commemorative events and slogans.

She added that this requires sustained mobilisation, accountability and tangible action in every community.

The Department of Social Development remains committed to strengthening GBVF prevention programmes, psychosocial support, family interventions and community mobilisation to protect women and children.  

MEC Hlalele extended her heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of Nthabiseng Moiloa and Kedibone during this painful period. 

She expressed hope that the families will find strength and comfort in the support of their communities and called for justice to prevail so that the victims' lives are not reduced to statistics in the ongoing fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. 

“The struggle for women's emancipation did not end in 1994. It continues in every community where women are abused, violated and murdered. We must dismantle patriarchy in our homes, our institutions and our society. Women are not born to endure violence, and men are not entitled to control women's lives. We demand a society where women can live, work and participate freely without fear. Enough is enough,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.