Note to Editors: Kindly find attached soundbites in English and Setswana by DA North West Spokesperson on Community Safety, Freddy Sonakile.
Following Minister of Police, Bheki Cele’s announcement that 2 300 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) have been recorded during the first week of the national lockdown, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West will today submit written questions to the MEC for Community Safety and Transport, Sello Lehari, requesting detailed information on reported cases in the province.
The National Government’s GBV and Femicide Command Centre received 120 000 complaints through its toll-free helpline during the first three weeks of the lockdown period, which is double the usual number of calls.
The DA is concerned about the significant increase of various forms of gender-based violence since the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, which includes the minor that was allegedly raped by an ANC councillor in Matlosana, the 18-year-old that raped his minor cousin in Ikageng and Tebello Mogwase from Setlagole who was murdered by her boyfriend.
It is therefore imperative that the MEC disclose the provincial data on the number of rapes, murders and assaults on women and children since the inception of lockdown to date.
We further call on the MEC to intensify collaborative efforts with the Department of Social Development to strategise on a comprehensive plan to protect and support victims of gender-based violence.
Initial indicators show that the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly increased the unemployment rate and with no source of income, many women and children are left at the mercy of abusers.
Every woman and child have the right to protection and safety and the DA will continue to hold government to account for its constitutional obligations towards the citizens of North West.
We call upon North West residents to report any form of domestic violence without hesitation.
The National Government’s GBV and Femicide Command Centre, which can directly transfer calls to the SAPS, can be contacted by:
- Dialling 0800 428 428;
- Sending a ‘Please call me’ to *120*7867#; or
- Sending an SMS to 31531.