Justice for Lerato Kale
Hundreds of residents from Kwa-Thema, Tsakane and Duduza took to the streets on Friday, August 25, to march against the brutal killing of Lerato Kale and all other women who fell victim to gender-based violence and femicide.
The 19-year-old Lerato Kale was found dead under a pile of wet clothes at her home in Tsakane.
Her hands and feet were tied together with a doek by her alleged abusive boyfriend. She was strangled and bled to death through her nose and ears.
This happens during the time where the country is observing Women’s Month.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development, as part of United Nations (UN) Orange UNiTE campaign, invited the community of KwaTsaDuza, law enforcement, government departments, and civil society organisations to wage war against perpetrators of GBVF.
Brother of slain Lerato Kale, Tumelo, said it was a traumatic experience to see his sister’s lifeless body lying on the floor.
“The way she was killed was an unpleasant thing to see which I don’t want anyone else to experience. Our family is still in shock, even now, we still find it difficult to accept that she is gone,” said Tumelo.
He further applauded the community for banding together and taking a stand to raise awareness against the brutal killing of women.
“We are looking forward to the case, and we hope justice will be served. The suspect has been arrested and will be appearing on the 14 September 2023 at Tsakane Magistrate Court,” added Tumelo.
Sergeant Lebohang Ramaise from Tsakane SAPS reiterated that gender-based violence is rampant in the area and called on communities to work together with police to curb the scourge of GBVF.
“We encourage women to come forth, report cases of abuse and stay away from abusive relationships. We will help you to obtain protection order, and peace letters from the court. We will serve it and tell the perpetrator what he should not do,” said Sergeant Ramaise.
He added, “Since July 2022, 674 cases of GBV were reported to Tsakane SAPS. Out of those cases, we made 342 arrests, and 156 cases were withdrawn, 22 were found guilty by the court and sentenced, 264 cases were withdrawn at court and 36 suspects were given diversion programme by the court.”
“Safety starts with each and every one of us, we need to act, and change the mindset of perpetrators for a better and safer society,” he said.
Gauteng Department of Social Development, Chief Director for Research, Population Development and Stakeholder Relations, Bongani Ngomane said Tsakane is one of the hotspots for GBVF and in the last 3 months, more than 3 women were brutally killed.
“We are humbled that two of the families who are victimised are here to support the march, and as the Department we are here to advocate for women’s rights, peace and harmony,” added Ngomane.
The Department will continue to observe Orange UNiTE campaign on the 25th of every month to call upon activists, governments, and communities to mobilise and highlight issues relevant to preventing and ending violence against women and children.