On Friday, 10 September 2021, Ingquza Hill local municipality led by Mayor, Ntandokazi Capa held a march against gender-based violence (GBV). This march was held in an effort to curb the behaviour that have negatively affected women, being raped and brutalized by men. August is set aside as a Women’s month and is celebrated every year. However, incidents of gender-based violence are reported almost every day which became a concern for Ingquza Hill Local Municipality leaders. On Friday, Women of Ingquza Hill came in numbers to confront this evil behaviour.
They vented their grievances to Flagstaff magistrate’s court and Flagstaff police station. Handing the petition, Ingquza Hill local municipality Mayor, Ntandokazi Capa said,
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”All those charged with cases related to gender-based violence should not be granted bail”.[/perfectpullquote]
He also commended the prosecution for ensuring he is responsible for their deeds. This petition was signed by Magistrate Nyezi of Flagstaff magistrate’s court and Flagstaff police station acting station manager Captain Nwelana.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”We welcome the grievances of Ingquza Hill and we promise to take them forward for consideration “said Captain Nwelana.[/perfectpullquote]
Ingquza Hill was on top of the table in crime, particularly rape. Mayor Capa says, “it is quite concerning to have perpetrators of rape in Ingquza Hill” Amongst those who took to authorities is the South African Youth Council and Council of Churches (CoC). CoC chairperson in Flagstaff, Bishop Kholekile Mkhumla says they will always fight against gender-based violence.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Council of Churches gives a full support to the women to say we are against this barbaric behaviour” said Bishop Mkhumla.[/perfectpullquote]
The authorities have been given 14 days and an ultimatum on how are they going to curb gender-based violence.
