How to bolster war on GBV

South Africa is failing in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) as the number of women killings continue to rise.

- Thembela Khamango

There were promises, pledges of funds and even change in legislation over the years but, despite all these efforts, women are still dying.

The latest police statistics paint a grim picture as 957 women were killed between July and September last year. In 2023, the death toll stood at 881, so this is an 8.6% hike.

The latest incident is that of Ayabonga Mjilo, 23, who was reported missing Christmas week after she was last seen leaving a restaurant in uMhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal on Christmas day.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the man spotted leaving the eatery with her was her work manager, Mfanafuthi Kunene, 37.

Netshiunda said Kunene allegedly strangled Mjilo and buried her body in his yard.

He appeared in the Durban Magistrate's Court last week and his case was postponed to next month.