MEC sends warning to abused women

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Vusi Shongwe has warned women that the withdrawal of domestic violence cases was a contributing factor to domestic violence.

Shongwe said that those who report cases of abuse and later withdraw them should be arrested. He said this has an impact on the police as time and resources are devoted to investigating these cases.

Shongwe further warned women not to protect the perpetrators of abuse just because they are breadwinners.

He also called on parents to protect their children from underage drinking as it exposes them to rape and abuse by men who buy them alcohol in taverns that do not comply with regulations.

Meanwhile, Shongwe also called on traditional leaders to help fight domestic violence as they are closer to communities and are best placed to assist government with the elimination of women and children abuse.

Mpumalanga chairman of Traditional Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, said men must not use tradition to perpetuate abuse.