By Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
Non-profit organisations (NPOs) in the Vhembe region of Limpopo that work to protect women and children are frustrated with how gender-based violence (GBV) cases are being handled.
Many cases are not investigated or never go to court, which discourages victims from reporting crimes in future.
Vhembe has a high number of GBV cases, with over 13,000 reported back in 2019 already, but little progress has been made since.
Mulatedzi Ramaano, chairperson of the Thohoyandou Women Support Group, said they are unhappy with the constant delays in court.
“Cases keep getting postponed, and perpetrators are still walking free while victims suffer,” she said.
Ramaano worries that if the justice system doesn’t improve, victims may stop reporting crimes.
She also mentioned cases involving well known people in Vhembe that have been delayed for too long.
One example is the case of comedian Livhuwani Madadzhe, known as SABC Livhu, who is accused of killing his wife, Lindelani Negovhela, last year.
His case has been postponed again, now set for 27 January 2025, which has upset NPOs and residents.
Calvin Nenguda, founder of the Real Men Foundation, asked people to be patient.
“Even if it takes a long time, those guilty of GBV or sexual assault will eventually face justice,” Nenguda said.
He admitted that it’s hard to wait but said his organisation is working to educate people about how the justice system works and that justice will be served.
The justice system’s problems aren’t limited to just one case. Earlier this year, a case against bishop Dr Roxley Masevhe, accused of raping his adopted daughter, was dropped due to lack of evidence, despite his time in jail.
Another sexual assault case involving prophet Phathutshedzo Sikhubu has also been repeatedly delayed.
Efforts to get a comment from Limpopo NPA spokesperson Mashudu-Malabi Dzhangi were unsuccessful.
Pictured above: Livhuwani Madadzhe, popularly known as SABC Livhu, during his court appearance on Monday in Limpopo.
Source: Supplied
