Court cracks down on GBV in wake of NMU tragedy

Gender-based crimes, such as the murder of Nelson Mandela University (NMU) student Zimkhitha Ntshisela inside her George Campus residence on 6 May 2023, have been singled out for severe punishment.

- Jacqueline Herbst

During the judgment and sentencing of her killer, Luyanda Mahlanza, in the George Magistrate's Court last week, the presiding officer, whom the media is barred from naming, said the sentencing must deter other like-minded offenders and students at universities and educational institutions from resorting to violence when there is conflict between them and their partners.

"These gender-based crimes are highly prevalent now," the magistrate said. He added that femicide has also been highlighted in various reports, underlining concerns specifically around domestic violence and the killing of partners during incidents in which violence is used to resolve a dispute.

Mahlanza was found guilty of murder with criminal intent and sentenced to life behind bars. He was also declared unfit to own a firearm.

When did the stabbing stop?