Violence Against Women

North West Premier Thandi Modise has condemned in the strongest terms the murder of a Coligny woman and called for intensified action against the scourge of gender based violence.

"Violence against women violates and impairs their enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It reflects and reinforces inequities between men and women and compromises the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its victims," stressed Premier Modise who is angered by the incident which occurred during women's month.

In calling for a no bail for the arrested 23 year-old suspect, Modise said that gender based violence encompasses a wide range of human rights violations, including sexual abuse of children, rape, domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment, trafficking of women and girls and several harmful traditional practices.

She added that any one of these abuses can leave deep psychological scars, damage the health of women and girls in general, including their reproductive and sexual health, and in some instances, results in death therefore perpetrators of physical, sexual and psychological abuse of women should receive higher sentences or be permanently removed from society.

According to police who at this stage had not established the motive of the incident, the suspect had allegedly assaulted the deceased with fists and ended up with a swollen face and blood coming out of her mouth on Saturday at about 23h35.

The incident occurred at Doornbury farm near Coligny. The bashed woman was reportedly taken to hospital where she died. The arrested suspect was expected to appear before the Coligny Magistrate yesterday to answer to a charge of murder.

Issued by: North West Office of the Premier

6 Aug 2013

Issued by: North West Office of the Premier