MEC accepts court’s decision to postpone
A survivor of genderbased violence (GBV), MEC Mohita Latchminarain, said she was lucky to be alive and able to stand in court and relate the details of her alleged incident.
Latchminarain, the political head responsible for the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport in Mpumalanga, was allegedly assaulted by her husband, who has since been charged and is currently in court on these charges.
The case went on trial on Tuesday and was postponed to November 24 by request of the defence, citing that they had video footage of what had transpired on the day in question.
ALSO READ: MEC joins walk against gender-based violence
“Today I am very happy to stand here, still alive. Many women in this country, and from this province as well, have not been as lucky as I have. Many have died at the hands of abusive men,” she said.
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga Youth league demands justice for MEC
“The accused has had the opportunity for two years to present whatever evidence he said he wanted to bring on the day of trial. To say that he has video footage without even giving us a brief overview of what it might be, is defeating the purpose, because he was aware of the date today and had ample time to submit whatever evidence he had in his capacity. However, I think the court, being fair, allowed him the opportunity to present whatever he wants to before finalising the case,” Latchminarain said.
“I am okay and not breaking down. I am emotional not because of the pain I felt, but because it happened in full view of my children and my mother, and having the accused running away to a hideout for one week. Had I been on my own, I would have been fine.”
Latchminarain was supported by members of the ANC Youth League and the public as the trial commenced on Tuesday.
ALSO READ: Mshengu’s co-accused appear in the high court
Themba Mpila, an ANC Youth League member who is also gunning for the Ehlanzeni Regional chairpersonship of this movement, said they would always support victims of gender-based violence regardless of their status or colour of their skin.
“GBV is not something limited to a particular person. It is something that affects us all. We must not be ashamed to confront this elephant in the room. We need to unite and overcome this scourge. As young people in the region, we will not rest until our women are safe,” he said.
He again called for the ANC Youth League to be reinstated so it can lead such campaigns against this and other social ills affecting women and children.
