Key Takeaways
- The recent domestic violence incident involving Durban hairstylist and salon owner Snenhlanhla Nenezane Mthembu has sparked national outrage and highlighted South Africa’s persistent gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) crisis.
- Mthembu shared social media posts alleging abuse by her boyfriend and claiming a lack of police action, prompting strong reactions and an outpouring of online support.
- Women’s organizations have demanded justice for Mthembu and criticized the police for failing to protect her, despite multiple cases being opened.
- The incident has intensified calls for systemic change and enforcement to address GBVF, which was declared a National Disaster in November.
- The police have since arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged assault and malicious damage to property.
Introduction to the Crisis
The widely reported domestic violence incident involving Durban hairstylist and salon owner Snenhlanhla Nenezane Mthembu has ignited national outrage and intensified the spotlight on South Africa’s persistent gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) crisis. Mthembu shared social media posts alleging abuse by her boyfriend and claiming a lack of police action on cases opened in Lamontville and at uMlazi police stations. The posts went viral, prompting strong reactions and an outpouring of online support. The incident has highlighted the failures of the police and the justice system in protecting women from GBVF, and has sparked calls for systemic change and enforcement.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Mthembu’s posts included allegations of physical abuse and claims that she had opened four cases with the police, but had seen no action taken. One post, in particular, resonated with many, as she said "Nizokholwa (you will believe me) when he kills me?" This post triggered an outpouring of online support, with many calling for justice and action to be taken against her abuser. Women For Change, an organization that advocates for women’s rights, demanded justice for Mthembu and said that no survivor should have to disclose trauma online for the protective system to believe or help them. The organization criticized the police for failing to protect Mthembu, despite multiple cases being opened, and called for systemic change to address GBVF.
Response from Women’s Organizations
Women’s organizations have been vocal in their criticism of the police and the justice system for failing to protect Mthembu and other women from GBVF. The KZN Legislature Standing Committee on the Quality of Life chairperson, Fikile Masiko, said that GBVF remains a national crisis, and that systemic failures, indifference, delays, and alleged interference allow perpetrators to act with impunity. The IFP Women’s Brigade KZN chairperson, Councillor Ntombifuthi Ntshayintshayi, said that the alleged failure by law enforcement is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about the treatment of GBV cases in the province and in the country. Ntshayintshayi applauded Mthembu for speaking out while she is still alive, and called for her bravery not to be ignored or dismissed.
Police Response and Arrest
The KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, addressed social media reports that uMlazi police failed to act on the complaint made by Mthembu. Netshiunda said that hardly 48 hours after the case was reported, police arrested a 24-year-old suspect in connection with the alleged assault of his 31-year-old girlfriend and maliciously damaging her vehicle during a domestic violence-related incident. The suspect allegedly summoned the victim to his home to collect her belongings, and then attacked her with a pipe, his hands, and by biting her. The victim fled to her car, but the suspect pursued her and damaged the vehicle’s rear windscreen. Netshiunda said that the suspect will appear in court soon, and that the victim will face counter charges of assault and malicious damage to property once she is discharged from hospital.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The incident involving Mthembu has highlighted the urgent need for systemic change and enforcement to address GBVF in South Africa. The police and the justice system must take immediate action to protect women from GBVF, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. Women’s organizations and civil society must continue to advocate for women’s rights and demand justice for survivors of GBVF. The government must also take concrete steps to address the root causes of GBVF, including poverty, inequality, and social norms that perpetuate violence against women. Only through collective action and a commitment to justice and equality can we hope to end the scourge of GBVF in South Africa.