POLOKWANE – It was a somber mood filled with cries and songs with lyrics questioning the perpetuation of gender-based violence, as students of the University of Limpopo (UL) converged at Thami Square recently.
They converged in memory of slain final-year medical student Mandy Makola (23) whose life was cut short on July 11.
Police spokesperson Lt Col Mamphaswa Seabi says the victim was found with stab wounds in a vehicle in Lebowakgomo.
Seabi says it is suspected that her boyfriend may be behind her death. The said boyfriend, whose name has not been published, was found in nearby bushes after he apparently took his own life.
Kgotletsi Makgoba from the EFFSC at UL says the ceremony was held to pledge farewell to a fellow student whose life was cut short.
“We wanted to raise awareness that gender-based violence is rife. We urge women staying in toxic relationships to think carefully about their and their loved ones’ well-being”.
Makgoba says men need to be spoken to and encouraged to stop resorting to violence and seek help instead.
He adds they will propose for dialogues and awareness campaigns to be driven in the institution.
Makola was laid to rest on July 23 at her Burgersfort home where social development MEC Dr Dickson Masemola addressed mourners with fellow medical students also in attendance.
“We need to challenge the ills in our society that create conducive circumstances for such horrible crimes to take place. We cannot continue like all is well,” Masemola said.
UL spokesperson Joe Selepe says the institution will hold a memorial service for the deceased on a date yet to be announced.
