The Free State premier has made a powerful call for action against the escalating violence against women in the province.

In her inaugural Opening of the Legislature address on Thursday (8/8) in the Bloemfontein City Hall, Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, emphasised the urgent need for a unified stance to combat gender-based violence (GBV).

The premier's address comes amidst a troubling surge in violence, particularly domestic violence, that has sparked alarming concerns across various sectors, including the provincial government, churches, and community organisations. Mathae’s speech highlighted a series of recent incidents that have brought the issue into sharp focus.

One such incident involved a Department of Social Development worker who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend in Thaba Nchu. The perpetrator reportedly threatened the victim over the phone and, in a shocking escalation, drove over her body after striking her brother. The accused subsequently handed himself over to the police. 

This case is part of a distressing pattern of violence, including the recent murder of a teacher by her partner and the exhumation of the body of a Matjhabeng municipal worker and ANC Youth League member from a graveyard in Welkom.

Letsoha-Mathae also addressed other concerning cases of sexual assault against children, including the rape of a girl (14) by a boy of the same age and the arrest of businessman Albertus Hendrik van den Berg (82) for allegedly raping an 8-year-old. Additionally, a man (45) was detained for allegedly raping his daughter.

In response to these alarming trends, Letsoha-Mathae announced that the provincial government will allocate more resources to support shelters and safe houses for survivors of GBV. Plans include hiring more qualified professionals to offer specialised support and intervention to victims.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg