Gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide is one of the most systematic and widespread human rights violations and it affects people across all ages and socio-economic status. Therefore, every effort must be made to end this violence and to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.
On 29 September 2022, police in Mount Frere arrested a 35-year-old suspect following the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend in Luyengweni Location.
It is alleged that at about 00:01, the suspect went to his ex-fiancé who was with her current boyfriend and dragged her out of the house. She was assaulted and taken to his house where she suffered further physical abuse.
The deceased, Phumeza Mtshengu (36) was forced to stay the night with the suspect.
When at about 06:00, the suspect attempted to wake up Ms Mtshengu, he discovered that she was dead.
Police were alerted and the deceased was found on the bed with multiple injuries. The suspect was arrested at the crime scene.
He is expected to appear in the Mount Frere magistrate court on Friday, 30 September 2022.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene reiterates the call to fight the abuse of women, children and the vulnerable groups and urges all to unite to end this devastating social ill. ‘Gender Based Violence and Femicide is a priority and perpetrators of such crimes will not be at the mercy of our justice system,’ added Lt Gen Mene.
