Picture: Deceased (Baitshepi Monchwe) 

BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

MURDER Case against a man from Manthe village in Taung was postponed until August 22. Lucky Aiseng (29) briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after he allegedly killed his girlfriend, Baitshepi Monchwe (28) on Sunday.

Taung Police Station cluster spokesperson, Sergeant Tebogo Thebe said the atrocity was caused by a domestic dispute.

“The suspect and the victim are both from Manthe village, near Taung and they were in a relationship. Post-mortem will guide investigation in terms of the type of weapon used,” Thebe said.

It is alleged that Aiseng bludgeoned Monchwe at his residential area. The deceased’s auntie, Kgomotso Monchwe said the incident left them dejected.

“I saw my sister (Baitshepi’s mother crying on Sunday morning and I went to check on her. She was crying uncontrollably and could not say a word.

“We went to Malaza’s bedroom (as Luckyboy Aiseng is affectionately known in the area) and found Baitshepi’s body in pool of blood. She was bleeding from her mouth and with a fatal wound under her right armpit,” Kgomotso Monchwe said.

The suspect and the victim have two children together.

Taung Community against Crime representative, Bakang Mankuroane said: “We want to condemn what happened in Manthe village. We also want to emphasise that women should speak out against any form of abuse.

“As the organisation, we believe that the fight against women and children abuse is a societal issue. We urge men to take a stand and ensure that women are protected.”

African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) provincial secretary, Bridgette Mogakwe shared the same sentiments. Mogakwe said justice should take its course.

“We believe that perpetrator must face the law. Killing women must be condemned in all forms. We urge all community members to fight against domestic violence, femicide and women and children abuse,” she said.

Meanwhile President Jacob Zuma delivered a keynote address during Women’s Day celebration at Galeshewe Stadium, in Kimberly on Wednesday (August 9). The celebration was held under the theme: “The Year of OR Tambo: Women United in Moving South Africa Forward”.

Zuma said recent incidents of violence against women have caused enormous pain and distress in the country.

“Those crimes are physical, sexual, economic, psychological and emotional. They all represent a violation of human rights and dignity. The crimes that women suffer from include sexual offences, human trafficking, domestic violence and the criminal victimisation of elderly women who are accused of witchcraft.

“The police indicate that the biggest problem with the policing of these crimes is that they usually happen behind closed doors and in secluded areas where it is very difficult to police. Another challenge is that victims have been known to withdraw cases in domestic violence and sexual offences where the offender is known to the victim,” Zuma said.

He further said in such cases, families may intervene and reach an agreement among them to maintain a conspiracy of silence in exchange for money or some other financial benefit. Zuma added that this conduct is unacceptable as it further perpetuates violence against women and turns such crimes into a matter that can be resolved through cash transactions benefitting families.

“In other cases, the survivors prefer to keep quiet rather than speak out, due to the stigma attached to sexual abuse,” said President Zuma.

Other families, he said, have to confront the tragedy of human trafficking which is a painful and despicable crime that was tantamount to modern day slavery. Zuma said young women and girls were being promised jobs or visits abroad and end up being forced into prostitution in hijacked buildings or brothels locally or in foreign countries.

“We urge parents to take a keen interest on the activities of their children on social media and provide on-going advice and support so that they can be protected. Government is playing its part in fighting these crimes against women. South Africa must be safe for women and children in every corner. The South African Police Service has been directed to treat crimes against women and children as an apex priority.”

“Nobody is above the law when it comes to crimes against women. All persons, regardless of their position in society must face the full might of the law when they attack women and children,” he said.

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