The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, has called on women, irrespective of their social standing, to speak out against any form of abuse.
The call follows an assault incident of a well-known musician Babes Wodumo whose real name is Bongekile Simelane by her boyfriend, music producer and musician, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo.
The incident, which was captured by Simelane live on her phone, has since gone viral.
The incident has sparked public outrage on the extent of the scourge of gender-based violence in the country particularly within the entertainment and the professional sectors.
People from all walks of life including music industry players went on social media and other platforms to pledge their support for the musician.
She was urged to immediately press charges of the assault case against Mampintsha.
“This incident once again highlights the extent of the scourge of gender based-violence that has gripped our country. Sadly, this type of incidents appears to be occurring very often in the entertainment industry.
It is of critical importance that women from all walks of life irrespective of their social standing must stand up and report any form of abuse by their loved ones without fear or favour.
The video doing the rounds on social media is a stark reminder of how a lot of women continue to lose their lives in the hands of their loved ones.
No one has the right to abuse women in our society and even with the slightest provocation.
The time has come for women to break the silence against any form of abuse so that they can receive assistance. We cannot allow women to be subjected to the most degrading and inhumane behaviour perpetrated by men.
Violence perpetrated against women is an offence against the founding values of our democratic government and its constitution. I am confident that our Law Enforcement Agencies will deal with this matter decisively and ensure that the law is applied accordingly.
Lastly, as Government, we will continue to walk the path with all victims, survivors of gender-based violence and empower them with prevention strategies.
Through our departmental victim empowerment centre, Ikhaya Lethemba, which continues to be a sanctuary for victims of abuse, we will make available holistic services to any victim irrespective of their social standing such as psycho-social services and medico-legal services amongst others,” said MEC Nkosi -Malobane.
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