Key Takeaways:
- The family of Hermalise Wenn, a 39-year-old mother from Cape Town, is struggling to cope with her alleged murder by her boyfriend in October.
- The tragedy highlights the devastating impact of gender-based violence on families, especially during the festive season.
- The TEARS Foundation is advocating for protection, accountability, and healing for affected families, and provides free and accessible support services for survivors of gender-based violence.
- The festive season can amplify the challenges faced by families who have lost loved ones to violent crime, leading to feelings of confusion, abandonment, and grief.
- The case of Hermalise Wenn’s murder is a stark reminder of the need for swift justice and accountability for perpetrators of gender-based violence.
Introduction to the Tragedy
The family of Hermalise Wenn, a 39-year-old mother from Cape Town, is facing their first Christmas without her after she was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend in October. The tragedy has left the family struggling to cope with their grief and care for her two children. The case highlights the devastating impact of gender-based violence on families, especially during the festive season. According to the TEARS Foundation, an organization that advocates for and provides support services for survivors of gender-based violence, every mother killed leaves behind children whose lives are permanently altered.
The Impact on the Family
The family of Hermalise Wenn is still trying to come to terms with the loss of their loved one. Her cousin, Lee-Ann Stander, who has been advocating on behalf of the family, said that the 16-year-old son who tried to save his mother on the day of the incident is still traumatized and has yet to break his silence. The family is also struggling to sort out guardianship for the children, who are currently in the care of family members. The financial and emotional impact of Hermalise’s death has been significant, and the family is finding it difficult to cope with the loss of their breadwinner and caregiver.
The Festive Season
The festive season is a particularly difficult time for the family, as they are reminded of the absence of their loved one. Hermalise was excited to celebrate her 40th birthday on December 13, and the family had planned a big party. However, her death has left a gaping hole in their lives, and they are struggling to come to terms with the fact that she will never be present at their table again. The family is taking it one step at a time, but the pain and grief are still raw. As Stander said, "Every day is a struggle, but we have to keep going for the sake of the children."
The Need for Justice
The family is praying for swift justice, and they want the perpetrator, Clinton "Duiwel" Moses, to remain behind bars. Moses has a history of violence and was out on parole for a previous stabbing when he allegedly killed Hermalise. The family is outraged that he was able to commit such a heinous crime despite having a protection order against him. As Stander said, "He should rot in jail. He took somebody’s life, and he should pay for it." The family is also seeking answers and wants to know why the law did not protect Hermalise.
The Broader Impact
The case of Hermalise Wenn’s murder is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gender-based violence on families and communities. According to Celeste Louw, general manager of the TEARS Foundation, gang violence has a destabilizing effect on homes and traumatises children. The festive season amplifies these challenges, and families who have lost loved ones to violent crime are confronted with a stark sense of absence. The TEARS Foundation is advocating for protection, accountability, and healing for affected families, and provides free and accessible support services for survivors of gender-based violence.
Conclusion
The tragedy of Hermalise Wenn’s murder is a reminder of the need for swift justice and accountability for perpetrators of gender-based violence. The festive season can be a difficult time for families who have lost loved ones to violent crime, but it is also a time for reflection and action. As the TEARS Foundation said, every mother killed leaves behind children whose lives are permanently altered. It is time for us to prioritize protection, accountability, and healing for affected families, and to work towards a society where women and children can live free from violence and fear.
