MEC Khoza condemns killing of woman in KZN

Nonhlanhla Khoza, KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC has condemned the brutal murder of a 19-year old woman allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend.

The victim – Akhona Mncube from Sweetwaters in Umsunduzi Local Municipality, Pietermaritzburg, was allegedly assaulted.

She died on Monday evening, after she sustained several internal injuries following the assault by her partner, with who, she shared a child.

Khoza said the circumstances leading to Akhona’s death was cruel, and maintained that there is no justification for the assault and murder of women and children.

“Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has absolutely no place in our society. We have witnessed a number of cases where women die in the hands of those who are supposed to protect them,” said the MEC.

She further called on the police to leave no stone unturned in their investigation and ensure that the suspect does not get bail.

The MEC has conveyed her condolences to the Mncube family.

“No parent should have to bury their child. We will monitor the case closely. It is more painful that Akhona left her one-year-old child who will now grow without a mother and father,” she said.

Khoza has since dispatched a team of social workers to provide psycho-social support services to the family.

The MEC said more young people should take a leaf from UYB (uMzansi Youth Development) in leading campaigns against GBV (Gender-Based Violence) in their communities.

“We need more young people in our communities to play their part in all programmes to fight GBV. We all have a responsibility and right to equality and dignity. Equally, it’s our duty to stand up to fight GBV,” Khoza said.

In her final words, Khoza said the department is establishing a number of programmes to create awareness and address the prevalence of GBV in communities.