At GBV victim’s funeral, KZN’s Ntuli says silence only perpetuates abuse

DURBAN - Kwazulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli is urging victims of gender-based violence (GBV) to speak out, emphasising that silence only perpetuates abuse.

This call followed the tragic killings of two women, Nandipha Lifana and Nokuphila Mbhele, at the hands of their partners last weekend.

ALSO READ: Slain GBV victim Nokuphila Mbhele to be laid to rest in Umzumbe

Ntuli said women and their loved ones should not protect their abusers.

“The second issue is for women to break silence not to be silent when they are in an abusive relationship, at the earliest possible time they must report to their families and families must not encourage women to persevere in a relationship that is abusive because the ultimate end of an abusive relationship for the women to be killed.”

Ntuli said more needs to be done to address this issue effectively.

“We need to do more as government, entire society, and traditional leaders because it is a collective responsibility that will address successfully this scourge of GBV and femicide.”

MBHELE DIED BEGGING FOR HER LIFE

Mbhele died begging for her life - this was revealed by a neighbour who said she witnessed the tragic incident.

The neighbour recounted the abuse Mbhele had allegedly suffered for some time.

Describing Mbhele's final moments, the neighbour revealed that the alleged perpetrator, Sibonelo Gumede, locked the door shortly before firing shots.

In a heart-wrenching testimony, she told mourners that Mbhele begged for her life, pleading with her alleged boyfriend to spare her.

“She begged and said, ‘Sibonelo, don’t make me leave my children, please. I will continue being in a relationship with you, but please don’t make me leave my children.’”

But her words did not prevent the perpetrators from shooting her three times.