Last week the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, together with various stakeholders, held a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) awareness campaign in ward 26, Mvalweni village under Umzimvubu Local Municipality.
The area has been identified as a GBVF hotspot following more than 10 reported cases of gender-based violence. The most recent incident involves a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by her biological father. The suspect is currently in police custody.
Condemning the incidents, Cllr Nkomo Khwela said “We are deeply outraged by the continued acts of gender-based violence in our communities. What allegedly happened to the 13-year-old child is horrific and unacceptable. As the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, we condemn GBVF in the strongest terms. We call on every resident to break the silence, report abuse, and protect our women and children. This tendency must end.”
ANDM Speaker Cllr Mehlomakhulu also added his voice, stating that GBVF is a betrayal of the constitutional values and humanity. “We cannot stand by while our children and women live in fear. Council commits to working with law enforcement, traditional leaders, and civil society to ensure alleged perpetrators face the full might of the law. Enough is enough.” He emphasised.
ANDM also provided support to the home of the victim by donating School Uniform.
Alfred Nzo District Municipality remains resolute, the fight against GBVF will be intensified until every woman and child in the district is safe.