Staff Reporter.
File: A woman holds a sign as demonstrators gather Sept. 4 at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town during a protest against gender-based violence. (CNS/Reuters/Sumaya Hisham).
Higher education minister Blade Nzimande has expressed sadness at the brutal killing of Nosicelo Mtebeni, 23, a fourth-year LLB student at the University of Fort Hare.
23-year-old final year law student,Mtebeni’s body was found dismembered in a suitcase in the suburb of Quigney in East London.
It is alleged that Mtebeni was killed by her boyfriend, who has since been arrested. He is expected to appear in court on Monday.
“I denounce such barbaric and shameful acts committed against women, both in our institutions of learning and in society in general,” Nzimande said.
Nzimande said what was saddening was that such a gruesome act was committed in a month in which SA marked and celebrate Women’s Month.
He said he trusted the criminal justice system will ensure a speedy prosecution for the accused.
Nzimande said the department of higher education & training remained committed to creating a safer and caring post-school education and training environment, particularly for female students and staff.
Fort Hare vice-chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu also expressed sadness at the death of Mtebeni, from Matatiele. She stayed in a private accommodation in East London which is not under the university’s control.
“I stand here … to condemn the brutality of the student’s death. Nobody deserves to die, more so nobody deserves to die in this horrific manner. There is something so wrong about our society,” Buhlungu said in a video address to announce her death.”
The Office of the Premier has also sent its condolences – while the university has provided psychosocial support to the students.
There is a silent war going around against women in South Africa. Alarmingly high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) makes being a woman in South Africa more challenging and dangerous than being in some of the world’s war-torn areas.