Civil rights movement #NotInMyName International has urged the media and stakeholders to help raise awareness about the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) through engagements with the communities.
The perpetual feeling of women and children not being safe in the country has magnified since the recent abduction and killing of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) former secretary general’s daughter, Hillary Gardee, 28.
Amidst the case gaining a widespread media coverage and being of public interest, #NotInMyName today pled to the media fraternity to use this time to “help society grapple with just how much violent crimes have become the order of the day in many of our communities”.
#NotInMyName spokesperson Lesego Mahlangu said the developments surrounding Gardee’s case have shocked the public in learning that children of the elite can also succumb to the victimhood of senseless crimes and perpetrators also wear suites, hold offices and live very confidently.
Police have arrested three suspects who have been charged with Gardee’s killing.
#NotInMyName spokesperson Lesego Mahlangu said this has restored some hope in the police which is often associated with failing communities due to the lack of responsiveness, diligence and adequate communication.
“Through our #policethepolice campaign we have been advocating for an integrated relationship between the community and the SAPS, this is meant to bridge a hostility gap that often sees communities work against the SAPS and visa-verse,” she said.
Mahlangu also urged the public not to individualise this story but instead “broaden the case because women go to the shops and die all the time.”
Gauteng activist group calls for awareness of GBV scourge
