Durban – The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) in KwaZulu-Natal is demanding justice after a 64-year-old woman was brutally murdered in the Nkande village, Inkosi Bhambatha region, on Tuesday morning. Egnar Tswane Sondezi was allegedly hunted down by suspects who shot her 28 times after locating her at her son's home.
The ANCWL has issued a strong appeal to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to urgently address the escalating issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to ANCWL spokesperson, Phindile Sishi, Sondezi had expressed fears for her safety to her family and had made the decision to sleep at her son's house on Monday night, feeling unsafe in her own home.
"In a horrific turn of events, attackers stormed her residence, pointed firearms at family members and demanded to know Sondezi's whereabouts. Upon locating her, they opened fire, mercilessly shooting her 28 times, before fleeing the scene," Sishi said.
"We strongly condemn the brutal murder of a woman. This heinous act highlights the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and we demand swift justice for the victim and her family," she added.
The ANCWL Provincial Task Team coordinator, Matho Shozi, implored residents to assist the police with their investigations. "The ANCWL is appealing to residents to assist police by providing information that could lead to an arrest," Shozi said.
"While we acknowledge the progress made in combating crime, we demand that no woman killer should be allowed to roam freely in this province. The courts must ensure that those responsible for such heinous crimes face the harshest possible sentences," the league said in a statement.
The murder comes amid growing concern over the high rate of GBV, rape, and domestic violence in South Africa, as highlighted by recent crime statistics.
Commenting on the crime stats release, the Democratic Alliance's Riona Gokool, said urgent reform is needed in terms of policing, justice and sentencing. "Stronger laws and policies are needed in order to protect our women and children while support for GBV survivors must be improved along with faster responses from law enforcement," Gokool said.
