'Justice system fails GBV victims'

A lenient and often unresponsive justice system is fuelling crime and gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. That was the strong message from residents during a heated community dialogue hosted at Ngoako Ramahlodi by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on Thursday.

- Koketšo Sekhwela

Community members, including social activist and Westenburg CPF member Mabotse Mothiba, shared firsthand accounts of frustration, fear and injustice, blaming local law enforcement for failing to act swiftly on serious GBV cases. Minister Mamoloko Khubayi-Ngubane led the dialogue, which formed part of Mandela Month efforts to engage communities and strengthen justice systems across the country.

Mothiba recounted a recent incident involving an elderly woman who was assaulted by her adult son. "I found her lying in the street late at night.