Lwandle community members have been urged to speak up and not remain silent when gender-based violence (GBV) is committed in their presence.
The message was delivered during the Imbizo held at Lwandle Community Hall on Tuesday 16 August by Justice Department in partnership with other departments.
Stakeholders stressed the importance of reporting GBV as it had severe impact, especially on children and women in the long run.
Area Court Manager Mzwakhe Luphondwana said they visited the area as part of information sharing about changes to the domestic violence act.
He said it was important to deliver such messages, especially on Women’s Month where women issues were on the table.
“The issue of gender-based violence is no longer a family matter. If you know of such violence being committed and you keep quite, you may also be brought to book,” he said.
“Those are changes that have been enacted on the Domestic Violence Act and residents need to know about them. Please come forward and report such cases because if you don’t you may be prosecuted,” he warned.
Luphondwana said the area of Lwandle falls under the Somerset Cluster and had the highest number of GBV cases in the area.
He highlighted issues of unemployment, fathers being the sole breadwinners as some of the causes for rampant GBV cases in the area.
South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO), deputy chair Ntombekhaya Molo called on the justice system to stop giving bail to GBV suspects.
“As the community we live in fear on a daily basis because of cases we see taking place in our community.
“We call for serious look into the GBV cases where one if commits such cases, they will be guaranteed time in jail without any bail,” she said.