As the country marks 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Ziyanda Maqonga, a woman from Engcobo in the Eastern Cape was allegedly assaulted by her brother-in-law and his wife. It was reported that she was hit by a sharp object and sustained serious injuries to her head and face.
According to an interview Ziyanda had with SABCNews, she alleges that the Ngcobo police station did not want to open a case for her until she produces a J88 form, which she could not get at the Hospital in Elliot, were she was treated for her injuries.
Ziyanda was allegedly accused by her sister-in-law of harrasing customers after she asked a customer to buy her a drink. A fight between the two ensued.
“My sister-in-law beat me and I beat her back, her husband held me so that his wife could beat me. When I asked him why he was holding me instead of stopping the fight, he said he had been watching me and that I am rude”.
“He then exited the room, I felt two blows on the head but did not know I was being hacked with a bush knife. I fell and blood oozed from the wounds. I could not see with my eyes and it was so hard to breathe”, Maqonga recounted.
It is reported that the victim visited Elliot Hospital on the 14th of November 2022 to inquire about the J88 and was told that the Dr who had sutured her was unavailable until December. When she went back to remove her stitches, she was told the Doctor had not yet returned.
Maqonga then approached Petros Majola of Khula Community Development Project, an organization that deals with children’s rights to assist her.
Majola questioned the seriousness of the Eastern Cape Department of Health and the SAPS when it comes to the fight against GBV and Femicide.
“If we want to win this battle, let us have a committed and vibrant leadership to serve the people of the Eastern Cape”, said Majola.
She says the J88 must be always available at hospitals.
Provincial Health Department spokesperson, Yonela Dekela said the patient’s concerns were readdressed and arrangements for the completion of the J88 have been made.
According to EC police spokesperson, Tembinkosi Kinana the couple that attacked Maqonga has since been arrested and are to appear in court soon. The suspects both face a charge of attempted murder.
