CAPE TOWN'S ALARMING FEMICIDE RATES

Gun violence drives surge in killings

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

FIVE women were murdered in 96 hours in Cape Town, mainly as a result of gunfire. According to Gun Free SA, the latest femicide study shows that guns are now the leading weapon used to kill women, and the proportion of women shot and killed has reached the highest rate ever recorded in South Africa.

It said between 2016 and 2023, applications for new gun licences rose 58% - adding 162000 licensed guns to homes.

One of the most horrific incidents was the shooting of two sisters, Gouwah Smith-Newman and Zainab Jacobs, allegedly at the hands of their own brother, Ederies Smith, outside of Portland Primary School in Mitchells Plain on November 6, over an apparent custody dispute. Smith, together with his co-accused Nazmie Lekay, believed to be the "getaway driver", made an appearance at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates' Court on Monday. They are due back in the dock on November 17 for their bail application.

Another incident is the murder of a 22-year-old woman inside her home in Echo Street in Fish Hoek on November 7. It is believed to be a home invasion incident. On the same day, Lisanda Sondlo's family was left heartbroken after the 22-year-old mother from Delft South was killed for protection money.