DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza has condemned the assault of a woman allegedly by a ward councillor in Abaqulusi Local Municipality in Zululand.
In a statement today, the department said the woman sustained bruises and a broken left arm.
According to the department, the woman, who is allegedly related to the councillor, was initially pressured by family members not to open a criminal case.
“At some stage the victim allegedly agreed to open a case with the assistance of community leaders, but changed her mind after she was promised to be paid by the alleged perpetrator in order to keep quiet,” said the department.
Khoza said any person involved in any form of gender-based violence (GBV) should face the full might of the law.
“Our country is ravaged by incidents of violence directed at women and children because of leniency on perpetrators,” she said.
The MEC said a lot of effort had been made by the government to end the scourge of GBV and ensure the protection of women and children.
She said it was very disappointing that public representatives were found to be contributors to the ever-increasing incidents of GBV.
“It is very concerning that even the ethics committee in the council has not acted on this matter,” said added.
Khoza called on the police to act against those who get involved in blocking cases of GBV to be opened.
“We have a number of cases of GBV that get concealed as families influence victims and even accept bribes from perpetrators. Such should be always rejected and whoever is involved get arrested too.”
Khoza dispatched a team of social workers to the victim who will be provided with psycho-social support following her ordeal.
“The social workers will also help the victim to consider opening a criminal case following her ordeal,” said the department.
THE MERCURY