Ms Thandi Nontenja

The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is extremely concerned at the rate which Gqeberha formerly known as Port Elizabeth is experiencing crime, especially a location known as Motherwell. It is hardly a week since Zenizole Vena was gang-raped and later passed away in this very same location.

Today, the nation woke up to devastating news of a couple that was slain inside their house, their son slept on his mother’s lap all night, not knowing she was dead, the kids slept in the house with the bodies all night. This was not a house robbery, but a hit as reported by HeraldLive.

UDEMWO calls on the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner to look at the recent incidents occurred in Port Elizabeth as soon as possible, this cannot be overlooked anymore, women and children must be protected at all cost, even if means the South African Defence Force (SANDF) must be deployed for some time in the area.

How many more hashtags should trend on social media for this cry to be heard?

Losing women and children in this fashion cannot be a norm, enough is enough.

President Cyril Ramaphosa should look at appointing a National Children’s Commissioner, other countries like Australia have done it, in 2020 Western Cape Government did it, we were hoping that it was going to be rolled out throughout the country, two years later, nothing has been done nor said.

This is worrisome.

Issued by:

Ms Thandi Nontenja

UDEMWO Secretary General