Violence Against Women
Source:All Africa
Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana, has urged women in abusive relationships not to withdraw cases of abuse but to allow the law to take its course.
"Use the available legislation, including the Domestic Violence Act, to get restraining orders, to report cases of abuse and to allow the law to take its course," said Xingwana.
Xingwana's call comes after a Soweto woman was allegedly killed by a live-in partner, who, according to her family, had reported and withdrawn cases against him three times.
The minister, accompanied by Deputy Health Minister Gwen Ramokgopa, visited the family of Moji Tsekedi on Thursday. Tsekedi's family believes she was murdered by her partner on 15 May 2011 after an argument at their backroom shack in Jabavu.
According to the family, Tsekedi was not seen for four days while her partner went to work and returned to their home.
Her body was found in a shack on 19 May 2011 with several gruesome wounds. Her partner has since disappeared.
"We also call on the police to intensify the investigation of this case and ensure that the murderer is apprehended and faces the full might of the law. We have to tighten our law to ensure that people involved these types of cases do not get bail or parole," said Xingwana.
Xingwana also appealed to anyone who has information on the case and the whereabouts of Tsekedi's child to contact the police.
Tsekedi's family expressed its concern to the ministers about the couple's 18-month old son, who was taken away by the father before the murder. His whereabouts is unknown.
Anyone with information can contact Warrant Officer Mzazi of Moroka Police Station on 011 527 0072/5270000.