Key Takeaways
- A hit-and-run attack occurred during an anti-Gender-Based-Violence demonstration in Observatory, leaving two women hospitalized
- The incident involved a white Toyota Corolla driver who rammed through a crowd of protesters, injuring Maureen Witten, 70, and Mfuneko Mali, 29
- The driver fled the scene, and the victims were taken to the hospital for treatment
- The founder of Women For Change, Sabrina Walters, is calling for an investigation and the immediate arrest of the perpetrator
- The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from the community, with many demanding justice for the victims
Introduction to the Incident
The city of Observatory was left reeling after a shocking hit-and-run attack occurred during an anti-Gender-Based-Violence demonstration on Friday. The incident involved a driver who rammed through a crowd of protesters, leaving two women hospitalized. The victims, Maureen Witten, 70, and Mfuneko Mali, 29, were standing in solidarity with residents from the Singabalapha informal settlement, opposing gender-based violence along Main Road. The demonstration was part of a national shutdown, with millions of women and allies standing up against the brutality inflicted on women in South Africa.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
Video footage of the incident shows the crowd holding hands when an impatient driver of a white Toyota Corolla rammed through them. Mali landed on top of the car’s bonnet and sustained a broken arm from the subsequent fall, while Witten was dragged along due to the impact and fell to the ground, where she was badly bruised. The driver sped off, leaving the victims to be rushed to the hospital by bystanders. Maureen’s daughter, Roslynne Richman, 45, described the scene as a peaceful demonstration that turned violent due to the actions of the impatient driver. She explained that the crowd was gathered in remembrance of Davidene Witbooi, who worked at Pick n Pay in Observatory and was shot dead in Manenberg on Women’s Day this year.
Response from the Community
The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from the community, with many demanding justice for the victims. Roslynne Richman expressed her shock and horror at the incident, stating that it was her mother’s first time participating in a demonstration and that she felt terrible after what had happened. The founder of Women For Change, Sabrina Walters, is calling for an investigation and the immediate arrest of the perpetrator. She stated that she is absolutely horrified by the senseless act of violence and that the incident was a peaceful demonstration to honor victims and demand safety. Walters emphasized that the organization is in direct contact with the victims and is supporting them, and that they will not tolerate such acts of violence against women.
Investigation and Demands for Justice
The police responded to the scene, but when they arrived, they could not find any injured people. However, the incident has been reported, and an investigation is expected to be launched. Sabrina Walters and the community are demanding that the perpetrator be brought to justice and that the incident be thoroughly investigated. The incident has highlighted the need for greater safety and protection for women and protesters, and the community is calling for greater action to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about the need for greater awareness and education about gender-based violence and the importance of promoting a culture of respect and tolerance.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The hit-and-run attack in Observatory is a shocking reminder of the violence and brutality that women face in South Africa. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from the community, and there are calls for justice and accountability. The founder of Women For Change, Sabrina Walters, is leading the charge, demanding an investigation and the immediate arrest of the perpetrator. The community is coming together to support the victims and to demand greater action to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. As the investigation into the incident continues, it is essential that the community remains vigilant and continues to demand justice and accountability for the victims. The incident is a reminder that there is still much work to be done to promote a culture of respect and tolerance, and to prevent gender-based violence in South Africa.