PREMIER MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has condemned surge in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the Free State.
In the latest case to rock the province, the body of Disebo Mosupa was on Friday found buried in a used grave at a cemetery in Welkom four days after she was reported missing.
Two men were arrested in connection with the disappearance and murder of the 30-year-old woman, an acting youth development officer at Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
“We must take a bold stand and seek decisive action to curb the heinous crimes of GBVF”, Letsoha-Mathae said during her visit to the family of the late Mosupa in Welkom on Tuesday.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our province is safe for all its citizens, particularly women and children.”
The sequence of events leading to Mosupa’s disappearance began last Friday when she was last seen by her relatives.
Police provincial spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said Mosupa’s father raised the alarm after finding her home deserted.
“Mosupa was reported missing at Welkom police station after her father visited her place of residence on July 14 and she was not there, all the doors were locked,” he said.
“The following day, the father went back to the house and found the doors open and the house ransacked. She was nowhere to be found.”
The search effort intensified following her official missing person report on 15 July, with community and relatives rallying alongside law enforcement.
The discovery of her body brought a devastating conclusion to the hopes for her safe return, leaving the community reeling.
Meanwhile, the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Mbalula, on Wednesday met with the women’s pressure group Buang Basadi to address the rising cases of GBVF in the Free State.
The organization highlighted a significant increase in such cases since 2018.
Mbalula said GBVF required a multi-faceted approach.
“Schools are crucial in shaping attitudes and behaviours from an early age, helping to mould future generations who respect women’s rights and dignity,” he said.
“I have requested officials to partner with stakeholders in the education sector to strengthen efforts in fostering a culture of gender equality and respect.”
Mbalula also emphasised that religious and traditional authorities had a crucial role to play in promoting women’s safety and empowerment.
“Working with these institutions is essential to dismantle patriarchy,” he said.
“Civil society organizations like Buang Basadi are crucial in raising awareness and we are ready to support and collaborate with you.
“Let’s seize this opportunity to forge a stronger partnership and build a future where every woman and girl lives freely.” – Staff Reporter