Harsher sentences for GBV perpetrators could assist in fight against scourge, says KZN’s Ntuli

DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said harsher sentences for gender-based violence (GBV) perpetrators could assist in the fight against the scourge.  

Ntuli was speaking at the funeral of slain Ayabonga Mjilo, in Hlokozi on Saturday.

Mjilo was allegedly kidnapped by her former work manager while attending a Christmas party.  

Police found her body buried at the manager’s house in Durban.  

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Mjilo's disappearance and how she was allegedly strangled and murdered has sent shockwaves across the country, especially as her incident comes after a number of brutal murders of women and children by people known to them.  

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the funeral, Ntuli expressed his support for strict jail terms for GBV perpetrators.  

“The harsher sentence in fact is something that must be seen. A lesson must be sent. I had a conversation with the chief magistrate when I attended this case wherein we were in agreement that even the judiciary needs to come on board when we reach out to the community.”  

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Meanwhile, Mjilo was given a dignified send-off, and the provincial government said fighting the scourge remains a mammoth task.  

Ntuli is expected to table the increased GBV cases to his executive council next week for solutions.