Statement by Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General

The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is saddened and shocked by the gruesome inhumane murder of Nomvula Solani, a 72-year-old woman, allegedly killed by her two grandsons and their friend.

UDEMWO is deeply disturbed by the tragic discovery of uGogo Nomvula’s body in a shallow grave in her garden in Cacadu, Eastern Cape, over the weekend. According to reports, she was killed following a heated argument with her grandsons, who demanded a portion of her R10,000 stokvel funds. It is alleged that they strangled her and fatally struck her with a sledgehammer before absconding with her money. Such senseless violence is reprehensible and warrants swift justice.

The issue of elder abuse is disturbingly common in South African communities. It is disheartening that older individuals, who should be cared for and respected, are often subjected to mistreatment, especially by those closest to them, such as family members. Instances of abuse occasionally come to light in print or social media, like when recipients of the South African Social Security Agency grant have their funds taken by individuals struggling with addiction. Tragically, older women are sometimes accused of witchcraft and face violent consequences, including being beating or burned to death by members of their community.

Gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide have skyrocketed and have been normalised in this country. Crime statistics in South Africa are one of the highest in the world with 86 cases of murder and 136 rapes reported daily.

The South African justice system always favours the criminals and not the victims in these crimes; enough is enough! So UDEMWO would firstly like to see that there is no bail for these suspects. Secondly, UDEMWO calls on the Cacadu Magistrate’s Court to hand out a harsher punishment to the three perpetrators for this repulsive act of heartless criminality.

Furthermore, UDEMWO calls for a collective effort from government, and all political parties (as GBV knows now boundaries), the South African Human Rights Commission, and advocacy groups to find effective ways to strengthen the existing pieces of legislation against GBV and to encourage all South Africans to stand in solidarity to raise awareness against elderly abuse. Let us give love and respect to the older citizens of our country to whom we owe so much.

Issued by:
Ms Thandi Nontenja
UDEMWO Secretary General