THE PETITION TO THE GQEBERHA HIGH COURT FOR JUSTICE FOR #CWECWE
Published: April 03, 2025<< BACK TO NEWS
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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, together with residents, civil society, and progressive stakeholders, stands in full support of the petition submitted to the High Court of South Africa today by the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, calling for swift and decisive justice for Cwecwe from Matatiele. This petition is not only for Cwecwe but also for those who are silenced by various challenges, including fear of retaliation, lack of access to legal resources, societal stigma, and inadequate law enforcement response.
The horrific act of gender-based violence committed against Cwecwe is not only an attack on her as an individual but a direct assault on the dignity, safety, and rights of all women and children in our country.
Ahead of the petition submission, a protest march was held from the City Hall to the Gqeberha High Court, where demonstrators voiced their demands for justice, stronger policies, and better protection for victims of gender-based violence and rape. The march served as a powerful statement that our communities will no longer accept inaction and delay in addressing these crimes.
As a nation, we cannot stand idly by while perpetrators of such heinous crimes continue to harm the most vulnerable in our society. We, therefore, echo the urgent demands outlined in the petition, including a thorough and immediate investigation, the removal of the current investigating officer, a fair but expedited trial, and the maximum sentence for those responsible. Justice delayed is justice denied, and we cannot afford any delays in cases of gender-based violence.
Furthermore, we call upon the government and all relevant authorities to implement stronger policies and protective measures to prevent further tragedies of this nature. Women and children deserve to live in communities free from fear, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety.
In response to today’s petition, I plead for swift and uncompromising justice for Cwecwe. "Our communities are crying out for action. The justice system must prove that it stands with victims and not with perpetrators. We cannot allow another case of gender-based violence to be met with apathy and delay. I urge the courts to act decisively, ensuring that this case sets a precedent—one that sends a strong message that violence against women and children will not be tolerated in our society."
As Executive Mayor, I reaffirm my commitment to fighting gender-based violence and supporting survivors on their path to justice and healing. I encourage all citizens to stand united in demanding accountability, safety, and justice for all.
#JusticeForCwecwe
#EndGenderBasedViolenceNow
#NoToRape
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