A LARGE crowd picketed outside the Pinetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday in support of Thulisile Lembede – a victim of domestic violence who was brutally killed by her husband on Saturday, 8 November.
Lembede was allegedly stabbed to death by her abusive husband in front of their seven-year-old child when she tried to leave him.
Gugu Madonsela, Women In Media convener, said they were overwhelmed by the support from the community, artists, women in media and social development.
“The protest had a very great impact as the accused did not even apply for bail, and we are happy that he is still behind bars. This protest was not only for Lembede, but it was for all the women who have been killed and who are abused.”
Madonsela said they are not happy about the long process that is taken to conclude these kinds of cases: “There should be no bail for murderers or abusers, they deserve life sentences.”
According to Lembede’s friend, verbal abuse between the two started in 2005.
Madonsela said there are many kinds of abuse, which start as small arguments, and are the reason why women should not stay in an unhealthy relationships.
“Women usually defend their partners and make excuses for them,” she explained.
Madonsela encouraged women to support one another to fight abuse. “It is very sad that there are some women who protect abusers and I cannot even imagine how the child must be feeling.
“Children are raped every day and some mothers choose to keep quiet as in most cases, and the perpetrator is usually a family member.”
Madonsela added that the are proposing 365 Days of Activism instead of just 16 days.
The accused will appear again in court on Wednesday, 27 January.
