Residents from various community stakeholders gathered at the Astron garage in Site C on Thursday 27 July, where they conducted a peaceful walk to the home of the slain woman, Sikelelwa Mona (18), at Taiwan informal settlement.
After their meeting with the family they moved to the place where her body was discovered and honoured her by lighting candles and handing out flowers to all women as a tribute.
The event was organised by National Men’s Forum in partnership with the provincial members of Contralesa (Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa),Koinonia Christian Council (KCC), Traditional Healers Organisation, provincial Department of Correctional Service and local officers.
Sikelelwa was allegedly raped and killed on Saturday 8 July and her body was discovered in the nearby shack.
Speaking on behalf of Men’s Forum Chief Sandile Sigcawu described Sikelelwa’s death as tragic.
He vowed to support the family to ensure that the culprit rot in jail. “An injury to one is an injury to all. We want the family to know that we are behind them. We are against gender-based violence (GBV) and we won’t keep quiet. I want to state that categorically not all men are perpetrators,” said Sigcawu.
KCC chair Rev Ntobeko Gijana urged the family to trust God all the time. He stated that Sikelelwa’s death was not a loss only to her family but to the community at large.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Sikelelwa’s unclem John Magalakanqa, welcomed the visitors.
He stated that his niece’s body left in the morning to her home town Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape.
She was buried on Saturday 29 July.
However, he stated that they were relieved to see people coming to console them.
Khayelitsha Police Station spokesperson Const Asanda Daweti said a case of rape was open. She stated that one suspect was arrested and is expected to appear again at the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court today (3 August).