RT-Engels: 22-03-2025,
According to data cited by a University of Cape Town professor, three women have been killed by an intimate partner per day since 2009
Inadequate resources and the poor implementation of laws that are supposed to protect women are hampering the efforts against the scourge of femicide and intimate partner violence (IPV).
IPV has been thrust into focus again this week as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced that the attempted murder case against Edwin Sodi has been struck from the Randburg Magistrate’s Court’s roll.
This also comes days after Cape Town convicted murderer, Wayne Lawrence, was sentenced to a cumulative 71 years behind bars for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Angela, and the attempted murder of their daughter, who was shot in the foot during a domestic dispute.
Lawrence was a licensed firearm holder who, at the time of the incident, owned two firearms.
Controversial businessman Sodi faced attempted murder and assault charges but these were withdrawn by his estranged wife, Nthateng Lerata.
It was alleged that during a life-threatening confrontation, Sodi attempted to shoot Lerata, but his gun jammed.
GBV victim withdraws charges against gun-wielding perpetrator
NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, said they rejected Lerata’s withdrawal statement due to the widespread scourge of gender-based violence (GBV).
However, due to them both not being present at court on the day, the matter was struck from the roll.
University of Cape Town (UCT) chief specialist scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC),