The new Prime Minister of the Free State has called on residents of Bloemfontein, Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo to take mass action against gender-based violence.
Maqueen Letsoha Mathae made the appeal during his presence at the trial of Simphiwe Macdonald Masithela (39) in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning (2/7). Masithela is accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend, Bongiwe Phulamba (35). He was arrested after the incident was reported at the Kopanong police station on Sunday.
Mathae stressed that the government and the ruling party should adopt the same mobilization strategies used during election campaigns to combat GBV. She led dozens of men’s organizations, leaders and church members in a picket outside the courthouse, demanding that GBV perpetrators not be granted bail.
‘If communities are not involved, we will never address this issue’
Mathae stressed that churches should prioritize addressing GBV issues and directly engaging men about these challenges. She suggested that, as in election campaigns, GBV awareness and education should be carried out neighbourhood by neighbourhood, using the same volunteers who were active during the election.
“The police are doing their job, but if communities are not engaged, if communities are not part of this campaign, we will never, ever, ever deal with this issue. Yes, the president has declared this a pandemic, but that pandemic has to be stopped by our communities.
“When you see all these recent cases, these are people who were lovers in these relationships, and it’s so sad. So, we are here, and we invited churches, and I’m happy that they are here, the government is here, all my MECs,” Mathae said.
Pastor Morris Sekhutleleng, also present in court, stressed the need for churches to break their silence on GBV. “We are here to say that this killing of women must stop, and we are going to implement programs to create peace as a creation of God.”
Also present at the court were church leaders and members who took a stand against GBV. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi.
Meanwhile, Magistrate David Tlati adjourned the case against Masithela until Tuesday (97), after his defence lawyer asked for more time to gather the outstanding bail information, a request to which the prosecutor did not object.
In another GBV case, Stephen Songezo (42) is expected in court tomorrow after he allegedly killed his girlfriend, Mpho Moalosi, a teacher at Tsoseletso High School, on Dewersdorp Road.
Men and women picket outside Bloemfontein Magistrates Court. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi.
Dozens of residents from Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo and Bloemfontein, along with various organisations and church members, are expected to take part in a march against GBV. The march will start at 09:00 at Hoffman Square in the CBD and will proceed to the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, where participants will picket tomorrow.
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