Worldwide, 27% of women and girls aged 15 and older have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence. In South Africa this figure is between 30% and 50%
– The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health: advancing mental health services, research, and policy
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA
Q3 2023/24 (October – December 2023) crime statistics released by SAPS on 16 February 2024
BE A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS
We believe that victims can become victors when their voice and dignity is restored. In South Africa justice isn’t guaranteed. Action Society is committed to be a voice to the voiceless and fighters for justice in the battle to protect women, children and people with disabilities from violence. We believe in giving them back their voice.
You can help!
Read their stories and pledge to #SayHerName
Siphokazi Booi
Siphokazi Booi was allegedly by her abusive boyfriend Sithobele Qebe. The 27-year-old's body parts were found stuffed in a wheeled bin and dumped near the railway line in Mbekweni in September 2021. The case is set to continue at the Paarl Regional Court in October 2023.
Liezel de Jager
Liezel, 38, was murdered in her home on October 13, 2021, after returning from a morning jog. She was found strangled to death in the yard and none of her possessions, had been taken. The gate was locked and the only other people home were her husband, Werner, and their two children. No arrests have been made. Action Society has been mandated to oversee the investigation.
Alwaba Sondara
Alwaba was brutally beaten by her boyfriend, Asive Kulwane on 18 December 2021. The accused took her to the Khayelitsha hospital more than an hour away and then fled the area. Later, she was transferred to Tygerberg Hospital where she remained in a coma until she died on 12 January 2022. The case has been postponed to 25 March 2024.
Nadia Lotz
Nadia Lotz was brutally murdered in March, allegedly by her partner of 14 years, Charles Appolis. 32-year-old Nadia was in the passenger seat while her friend was driving. Appolis was seated in the back, leaned forward and slit her throat. The case is set to continue at the Strand Magistrates' court on 26 September 2023.
*Lily
The 45-year-old woman from Bonteheuwel was gang-raped by a group of men in December 2022 in a nightmarish ordeal that left her and her family deeply scarred. The case was postponed several times due to the state's failure to provide a sign language interpreter. The matter will continue on 12 October 2023 at the Parow Regional Court.
Kraaifontein Granny
A 82-year-old grandmother from Kraaifontein was assaulted by her 19-year-old man grandson. The elderly woman was hospitalised for an unrelated ailment and declined to submit a statement.
Nomasonto Modzanane
On 21 February 2024, a bakkie driver purposefully ran over and reversed over Nomasonto Felicity Modzanane when she crossed a road in front of her workplace in Randfontein. She died from her injuries. The tragic and gruesome incident was caught on CCTV footage, and the bakkie and driver are identifiable. However, no one has been arrested.
TAKE THE PLEDGE
The state continues to fail to shield those most vulnerable in our society from crime, and perpetrators evade prosecution for years, continuing on their violent course.
Take the pledge to support Action Society’s #SayHerName campaign. By pledging your support to this campaign, we commit to keep you updated on the stories of the women and children we represent, so that you can honour your pledge and #SayHerName by sharing their stories.