Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has condemned the appalling acts of gender-based violence and what he described as the deeply disturbing exploitation of social media platforms.
The minister’s comments come after a video went viral on social media, showing Sibusiso Lawrence, whose face was drenched in blood, confessing to allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend after he posted a picture of her lifeless body with stab wounds.
Lawrence, who’s from Scottburgh, in KwaZulu-Natal, is heard accusing his girlfriend of cheating, and wanting to leave him as she was allegedly cheating on him.
“I tried to make this woman happy.
I tried very hard. I lost a lot of things, even money.
But she got pregnant and gave birth to a child that was not mine.
I persevered and provided for the child.
Then she got tired of me and dumped me.
Now I’m going to get RAF,” said Lawrence.
Following a police search, Lawrence’s lifeless body was found hanged near the crime scene in Umzinto.
“This shocking incident is a grim reminder of the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence in our society.
Such acts of violence are a betrayal of our shared humanity and have no place in our nation.
Furthermore, the use of social media to amplify such cruelty is utterly unacceptable and reflects a disregard for basic decency and the dignity of others,” said Mchunu.
Moreover, Mchunu said by taking his own life, Lawrence denied the victim immediate legal pursuit of justice.
He said the incident does not however diminish the severity of his actions or the pain inflicted on the victim, the victim’s family, friends, and community, including his own family.
“Families and communities need to be very much alive and alert to issues of mental health of their members; any sign or suspicion of this disease must be reported to Social Workers and other authorities without any delay.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim and reaffirm the government’s commitment to intensifying efforts to create a society where women and children can live free from fear,” explained Mchunu.
Meanwhile, NotInMyName International has also condemned the incident.
“What is even more disturbing is the commentary from certain individuals, who are exhibiting a perilous and toxic mindset.
Justifying violence and murder by suggesting that the alleged infidelity or behaviour of the victim warranted such an extreme reaction is utterly reprehensible.
This misogynistic mindset is a manifestation of a deeply ingrained societal issue, where women are held accountable for men’s emotional responses and choices.
It not only diminishes the value of human life but also shifts accountability away from the perpetrator,” read a statement from the civil rights group.
In addition, the group said this rhetoric implies that the victim deserved to be murdered, which is an unacceptable justification for violence.
“Such rhetoric perpetuates detrimental stereotypes and hinders efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide, which are at an all-time high in our country.
Moreover, it encourages men to eschew accountability for their actions.”
