Murder of South African Woman Sparks Outrage Over Femicide Crisis

The murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale has sparked outrage in South Africa, shedding light on the country’s high femicide rates. Friends reported her missing after January 25, and her body was found that day. Two suspects are tied to the case, with one dead and another still at large. Activists stress the need for urgent reform in the face of rising violence against women amid ongoing societal challenges.

The murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale in South Africa has ignited widespread anger and frustration, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with femicide. Allegedly murdered by a man she had a date with, Mongale’s case is the latest example in a long line of violence against women. On May 25, friends of hers raised concern when she stopped checking in, leading to the tragic discovery of her body later that day.

Philangenkosi Makhanya, the main suspect, was killed in a shootout with police only five days later. Meanwhile, another suspect, Bongani Mthimkhulu, remains at large. Authorities reported that over 20 women have accused the two men of kidnapping and robbing them under the guise of romantic interest, part of a strategy dubbed a “romance dating scam”.

Femicide rates in South Africa are alarmingly high. Data from the South African police report that in the previous year, there were more than 27,600 murders, including 5,578 women and 1,656 children. In comparison, global figures for 2023 from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime indicate that about 1.3 women per 100,000 faced death from intimate partners or relatives, while during the pandemic, that number soared to 5.5 per 100,000 in South Africa, as indicated by the South African Medical Research Council.

Cameron Kasambala from the advocacy group Women For Change expressed the grim reality for women in South Africa, stating, “Women die no matter what they do. They’ve been stabbed while they sleep, shot in broad daylight and had their houses burned down by former partners.” She traced the roots of this violence back to the oppressive apartheid era, emphasizing how it fosters hypermasculinity and aggression among men, worsened by societal issues like poverty and substance abuse.

Several high-profile cases underscore the epidemic, including the disturbing instances of Racquel Smith selling her daughter and the rape and murder of student Uyinene Mrwetyana in 2019, which sparked massive protests. Activists point out that countless more similar stories go unnoticed every year, underscoring the urgent need for societal change.

In a push for governmental action against gender-based violence, Women For Change recently delivered a petition with 150,000 signatures, urging officials to declare gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster. The minister for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, acknowledged the government’s commitment to tackling the issue but did not address the national disaster suggestion directly.

Naeemah Abrahams from the SAMRC, who conducts femicide research, stressed that solutions extend beyond legal reform, saying, “When we try and solve it, it’s not going to be just the law.” Social expectations about men’s roles as providers also contribute to this violence, Abrahams noted, with some people believing that women need to be corrected if they step outside traditional roles.

Mongale’s friends and family are mourning her loss deeply. Criselda Kananda, a close friend of Mongale’s mother, remembered her as someone full of life and ambitions. With a background that included teaching English abroad and owning a home, she was seen as a shining figure.

Mongale’s mother faced a painful moment recently when visiting her daughter’s apartment, finding cake ingredients left out—a stark reminder of her loss. Kananda reflected on this heartache, saying, “We really are struggling … It’s things like these that are now painting a reality that she is no more.”

The tragic murder of Olorato Mongale serves as a stark reminder of South Africa’s severe femicide crisis. With an ongoing investigation and the revelation of a broader pattern of violence against women, community leaders and activists are calling for urgent change. Amid the grief, the case highlights the need for both societal and systemic reform to address the underlying issues fueling this violence. As advocates continue their fight for justice, the hope remains that one day, these preventable tragedies will end.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com