Mpumalanga
Authorities are cautioning families not to protect perpetrators of Gender-based violence.
Jackie Macie, MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, in Mpumalanga, wants the police to urgently investigate the alleged interference of family members of a suspect linked to rape.
This follows the threatening of parents of victims, who were allegedly raped on different occasions.
The first victim, now 24 years old, was allegedly assaulted between 2008 and 2010, while the second victim, a 4-year-old daughter of the first victim, was allegedly assaulted in November 2025.
The suspect, who is the father of the first victim and grandfather to the 4-year-old, was arrested in December 2025 and later released on bail with conditions that he stays at a different address and does not make contact with the victims.
Macie said police should urgently investigate the case and ensure that there is no interference to the process.
“We have put in place a lot of work as government to fight against the abuse of women and children, therefore we do not expect members of the community to interfere with the work of the police and obstructing investigations. Members of the community and families must support victims and encourage them to speak out on such cases. In that way, we will win the fight against the scourge and remove all the perpetrators from our communities,” he said.
KwaZulu-Natal
Three minors were murdered by their father in the Lulwane (Sikhemelele) area of Manguzi, in the uMkhanyakude District.
The police (SAPS) said the incident occurred on Sunday evening.
The deceased are Kwanele Gumede (15), Amanda Khumalo (9), and Ayabonga Khumalo (7).
Thamsanqa Ntuli, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, said he is profoundly shocked, and outraged by the tragic murder.
He also described the killings as “deeply disturbing, senseless, and an unforgivable violation of the sanctity of life, particularly of children who depend on adults for love, safety, and protection.”
Ntuli also called for a thorough and expedited investigation to ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrator is held fully accountable.
He further urged communities to remain vigilant and to report early warning signs of domestic violence, abuse, or severe emotional distress within households, emphasising that silence can have tragic and irreversible consequences.
Gauteng
The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) is expected to host a media briefing on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, on Thursday this week.
Mpiyakhe Mkholo, Spokesperson of the CRL Commission, said in a brief, “across the country, women and young girls are continuously subjected to gender- based violence and femicide, even in environments that are meant to provide safety and support. Shockingly, there are reports about the increasing prevalence of GBVF abuse perpetrated by individuals in positions of authority and trust, including some Pastors or Bishops and Ogobela (trainers of traditional healers).”
He also said these incidents occur not only within specific religious institutions but also in spiritual, traditional healing spaces, where vulnerable individuals go to seek assistance, guidance, and healing.
A number of victims are expected to address the press conference, where they will highlight the nature and extent of abuses and exploitation they experience.
Picture: Byron Sullivan