Release Date: 18 February 2021
To: Editors, Producers and Reporters
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has noted that the alleged perpetrator behind the brutal stabbing of Dimakatso Ratselane has been apprehend in Ennerdale, Gauteng.
The Gender Commission wishes to applaud the women and men in blue for their tireless effort in ensuring that the perpetrator is arrested within reasonable time despite his efforts to evade the police. As the Commission, we believe that in order to eradicate the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) and imitate partner violence (IPV) the same eager and enthusiasm should be the norm in cases of this nature regardless of the stature of the person involved.
“As the Commission, we respect the rule of law. Under our laws, everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The purpose of a fair trial is to ensure that justice is delivered for both the accused and the victim. We equally believe that the family of Dimakatso deserves no less than a fairly executed trial”, said Ms Tamara Mathebula, the Chairperson of the Commission of Gender Equality.
“We hope that the state in preparing for this case will up its game to ensure that people’s confidence in the justice system is enhanced, especially for victims and the survivors of violence and gender-based crime and Intimate partner violence”, added Ms Mathebula.
The CGE urges all South Africans to join hands in fighting the scourge of violence, and in particular, gender-based violence. We need consented efforts in addressing masculinity and patriarchy in order to eradicate the scourge of violence, gender-based crimes and intimate partner violence.
The CGE will monitor this case in ensuring that there is justice for both the victim and the perpetrator. Similarly, that the trial is fair.