The Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe, called for full justice and reiterated the call for a harsher sentence following the death of Paula Mqoma who died at the hands of her boyfriend.
The slain Mqoma (47) died at Pholosong Hospital in Tsakani after suffering head injuries following an alleged fight between her and her long-term boyfriend.
Hlophe, together with social workers, visited the family’s residence in Kwa-Thema on October 27 to offer psychosocial support and assured the family will be supported throughout their grief.
Paula’s mother could not hold back her tears when she remembered how her child was assaulted. She pleaded with the government that the case goes to the high court so that justice is well served.
Addressing the media, Hlophe said this was a very tragic case and Gauteng Social Development is vigorous on matters related to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
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“President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified GBVF as a pandemic that we need to raise the consciousness of society, particularly with males, to know that patriarchy, violence, and gender-based violence is not a good thing,” said the MEC.
“Whenever men go through their difficulties, they should never take their frustration out on their female counterparts.
“The department has brought in capacity in terms of social workers. They are working with the family because issues like these have a huge impact on the family unit. We want our professionals to try and retain the unit as much as possible.”
“It was important to visit the family just to specify the professional services we are bringing and also to give support and empower Paula’s children, especially her eldest son who will have to fend for himself and support his two other siblings.
“The department will refer Paula’s son to the skills development programme so that he can provide for the family in future and not fall into the trap of substance abuse.”
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