ActionSA strongly condemns the alarming response by police officials and the judicial system in Emalahleni following a brutal attack on a young woman from Kwa-Guqa Extension 12. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, 4 August 2024, during Women’s Month, highlights the deep-seated issues of gender-based violence (GBV) and the systemic failures that continue to put women at risk.
The young woman was viciously attacked in her home by her sister’s boyfriend, who assaulted her with a bottle after she refused to disclose her sister’s whereabouts, resulting in severe injuries, including a broken left hand, muscle damage, and multiple facial bruises. Despite the seriousness of the attack, which the victim rightfully views as attempted murder, the response from law enforcement has been disturbingly inadequate.
The victim completed a J88 form and filed a case with Vosman Police Station, case no. 95-8-2024. However, glaring discrepancies in the handling of the case have emerged. Police officials failed to take a witness statement from a 15-year-old child who witnessed the attack. More shockingly, the assailant was arrested but released without appearing before a magistrate, and the case was struck off the court roll. The police have inappropriately classified this case as assault, despite the evident intent to kill.
These are the repeated failures of the Vosman Police Station and the Emalahleni Magistrates Court. This young woman has been denied justice, and the message sent to perpetrators is that they can act with impunity, even during Women’s Month. This is an insult to the very essence of what this month represents—a time to reflect on and advance the rights and safety of women.
The actions of the police officers, who refused to assist the victim due to the presence of blood, further demonstrate a gross dereliction of duty. Instead of providing her with immediate medical care, they prioritised the assailant, who had only minor injuries, over the severely wounded victim. This blatant disregard for the victim’s life and wellbeing is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the commitment of our law enforcement to protect women from GBV.
Moreover, the false assurance that the assailant was rearrested, only for the victim to discover that this was untrue, is a cruel manipulation that further victimises the survivor. The police’s actions—taking the assailant’s card and cellphone from his girlfriend and the lack of a transparent and just process—fuel suspicions of corruption and complicity.
ActionSA calls for an immediate and thorough investigation into the conduct of the Vosman Police Station and the Emalahleni Magistrates Court. This injustice cannot go unchallenged. The women of this country deserve better protection and a justice system that truly works for them, not against them.
During this Women’s Month, we must confront these issues head-on and demand accountability. The failure to address GBV with the seriousness it deserves not only endangers the lives of women but also undermines the very principles of justice and equality
Gender-Based Violence Continues to Be Ignored During Women’s Month
ActionSA strongly condemns the alarming response by police officials and the judicial system in Emalahleni following a brutal attack on a young woman from Kwa-Guqa Extension 12. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, 4 August 2024, during Women’s Month, highlights the deep-seated issues of gender-based violence (GBV) and the systemic failures that continue to put women at risk.
The young woman was viciously attacked in her home by her sister’s boyfriend, who assaulted her with a bottle after she refused to disclose her sister’s whereabouts, resulting in severe injuries, including a broken left hand, muscle damage, and multiple facial bruises. Despite the seriousness of the attack, which the victim rightfully views as attempted murder, the response from law enforcement has been disturbingly inadequate.
The victim completed a J88 form and filed a case with Vosman Police Station, case no. 95-8-2024. However, glaring discrepancies in the handling of the case have emerged. Police officials failed to take a witness statement from a 15-year-old child who witnessed the attack. More shockingly, the assailant was arrested but released without appearing before a magistrate, and the case was struck off the court roll. The police have inappropriately classified this case as assault, despite the evident intent to kill.
These are the repeated failures of the Vosman Police Station and the Emalahleni Magistrates Court. This young woman has been denied justice, and the message sent to perpetrators is that they can act with impunity, even during Women’s Month. This is an insult to the very essence of what this month represents—a time to reflect on and advance the rights and safety of women.
The actions of the police officers, who refused to assist the victim due to the presence of blood, further demonstrate a gross dereliction of duty. Instead of providing her with immediate medical care, they prioritised the assailant, who had only minor injuries, over the severely wounded victim. This blatant disregard for the victim’s life and wellbeing is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the commitment of our law enforcement to protect women from GBV.
Moreover, the false assurance that the assailant was rearrested, only for the victim to discover that this was untrue, is a cruel manipulation that further victimises the survivor. The police’s actions—taking the assailant’s card and cellphone from his girlfriend and the lack of a transparent and just process—fuel suspicions of corruption and complicity.
ActionSA calls for an immediate and thorough investigation into the conduct of the Vosman Police Station and the Emalahleni Magistrates Court. This injustice cannot go unchallenged. The women of this country deserve better protection and a justice system that truly works for them, not against them.
During this Women’s Month, we must confront these issues head-on and demand accountability. The failure to address GBV with the seriousness it deserves not only endangers the lives of women but also undermines the very principles of justice and equality