A Khayelitsha men’s movement has thrown its entire weight behind a woman, from Island informal settlement in Makhaza, who was allegedly raped and killed by her ex-boyfriend on Sunday 6 November.
Speaking on behalf of the Father School in South Africa (FSSA), Luthando Ndlovu urged the police to prioritise rape and murder cases.
He added that men needed to learn and understand themselves better.
FSSA educates young men about their responsibilities in society.
“Most men use their masculinity to attack women. They use the power that is invested in them in the wrong way. Instead of protecting their families, they hurt them,” said Ndlovu.
He said that the environment in which some men grew in led to their bad behaviour.
However, he stated that there was no excuse for any men to misbehave.
“We are living in a dysfunctional society where parents are fighting in front of their children. The children admire whatever their parents are doing and sometimes copy it thinking that is a good thing even if it is bad. But, as men, we can’t condone the raping and killing of women and children. Men need to be strong and speak out instead of suppressing their feelings,” said Ndlovu.
He stated that they feel the pain of losing a child in that manner.
Ndlovu stated that FSSA is against gender-based violence (GBV). “We are saying no to GBV. Enough is enough. Not in our name,” he concluded.
Harare Police Station spokesperson Capt Siyabulela Vukubi said a 36-year-old man was arrested and appeared in Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court for a bail application on Monday 21 November.
“A murder case was opened. The case was postponed for Monday 28 November. The man is still in police custody,” said Vukubi.