Topic
South African gender-based violence
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Police launch manhunt for triple-murder suspect in North West
The South African Police Service (Saps) launched a manhunt for 41-year-old James Mohajane following the murder of his girlfriend, Moipone Lefoka, her sister, Esther Lefoka, and Esther’s boyfriend, Tshepo Molekwa, in the North West province. The victims were discovered on a Sunday morning having been hacked to death with a spade. This investigation coincides with a broader push by Saps to intensify efforts against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) during Women’s Month. Separately, in Knysna, a shootout related to investigations into political murders resulted in the deaths of a Saps Tactical Response Team captain and a suspect.
Western Cape baby hospitalized with broken legs amid abuse investigation
A 10-month-old infant from Saldanha Bay, South Africa, was hospitalized with broken legs this past weekend, triggering a child protection investigation by the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) and a criminal investigation by the South African Police Service (Saps). MEC Wendy Kaizer-Philander visited the child, and a sibling was subsequently removed from the home and placed in temporary care. The DSD initiated this action following reports of suspected abuse, with social workers now assessing the family environment to determine if the children require ongoing protection.
Retshidisotswe Khumisi sentenced to life for murder of girlfriend
On 24 August 2026, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria sentenced 27-year-old Retshidisotswe Khumisi to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of his girlfriend, Ntsoaki Annah Hobson. The incident occurred on 2 March 2025 at their home, where Khumisi fatally stabbed Hobson following an argument. During the trial, the court rejected Khumisi's requests for a lighter sentence, which were based on his personal circumstances, his role as a father, and his alcohol consumption at the time of the crime. The ruling highlighted the violation of trust within the home and addressed the broader issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.
Attempted sexual assault reported at a school in Gauteng
On 20 August, an attempted sexual assault involving a Grade 8 pupil occurred at Villa Liza Secondary School in Boksburg, Gauteng. Two male pupils allegedly followed the girl into the school toilets, restrained her, and attempted to remove her clothing before being interrupted by school cleaning staff. Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile described the incident as extremely serious, emphasizing that schools must remain safe environments for pupils. The incident was reported to local authorities, and a criminal case was opened at the Dawn Park Police Station.
Nearly 20,000 GBVF cases in South Africa resulted in no arrests or prosecution
During the 2025-26 financial year, the South African Police Service recorded 50,511 cases of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), with rape accounting for 36,217 of those reports. Acting on a parliamentary inquiry from Gugulethu Mchunu, the acting minister of police disclosed that 30,736 of these cases resulted in arrests or referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority. KwaZulu-Natal reported the highest volume of both total cases and those resulting in police or prosecutorial action. Consequently, 19,775 reported cases remained without recorded arrests or referrals to the NPA, highlighting a significant gap in the justice system's response to GBVF.
Five family members arrested in murder case of TikTok star Ayesha Gilamana
On August 14, 28-year-old TikTok star Ayesha Gilamana, also known as Shamsoo Bibi, was shot and killed by two motorcyclists while traveling in Taxila, Pakistan. On August 22, police in Rawalpindi arrested five individuals, including her father, Fazal Sahibzada, and her brother, Bashir, on allegations of orchestrating the murder. Investigators reported that the suspects allegedly fabricated a story regarding a money dispute to deflect suspicion, while evidence suggested the killing was motivated by familial conflict over Gilamana’s social media career, leading authorities to categorize the incident as an honor killing.
Man accused of killing girlfriend in Soweto appears in court
Simiso Silomo Phakathi, 27, appeared in the Orlando Magistrate’s Court on August 21, 2026, to face a murder charge regarding the death of his 37-year-old girlfriend, Josephine Tshabalala. Tshabalala’s body, bearing a stab wound and multiple bruises, was discovered by a property owner in an Orlando, Soweto backroom on August 13, 2026, after she was last seen with Phakathi on August 8. Phakathi was arrested in Klerksdorp on August 19, 2026, after public distribution of his photograph via media and social media prompted residents to report his location to the South African Police Service.
Mpumalanga man sentenced to two life terms for murder of family
Mandla Moses Sibiya, 43, was sentenced by the Mpumalanga High Court to two life terms and 10 years in prison for the March 2024 murders of his wife, Fisiwe Lesiah Sibiya, and their teenage daughter, Lungelo Sibiya, as well as the assault of their five-year-old daughter. The violent incident in Mataffin followed a history of domestic abuse and an intervention by the Community Policing Forum after accusations that Sibiya intended to sexually assault his teenage daughter. Despite pleading guilty to the murders, Sibiya denied they were premeditated, a claim the court rejected after the state presented evidence including the teenage victim's statement before her death.
Man accused of intentionally infecting partner with HIV released on bail
A 47-year-old Boschkop man was released on R2 000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court following his arrest for allegedly intentionally infecting his 38-year-old partner with HIV. The situation emerged on 26 June when the complainant discovered the man’s antiretroviral medication, leading to an alleged confession where he stated he infected her to prevent her from entering other relationships. The case, which is being handled as attempted murder, highlights issues of deception and bodily autonomy within domestic relationships, as noted by the advocacy group Tears Foundation.
Sifiso Sibiloane sentenced to life for murder and rape of a child
On 7 March, 21-year-old Sifiso Sibiloane lured six-year-old Princess Rossouw from her home in the Nkangala District to a nearby maize field, where he raped and strangled her. Sibiloane pleaded guilty at the Breyten High Court, admitting that he killed the child to prevent her from reporting the assault to her parents. The court subsequently sentenced Sibiloane to two life terms for the crimes, marking a severe judicial response to the violence against the child.
Eldorado Park parents to face trial for daughter's murder
A Johannesburg couple is scheduled to stand trial on 5 October 2026 for the murder and abuse of their four-year-old daughter and the assault of their three-year-old son. The charges follow a 6 August 2025 incident where the father allegedly assaulted and sexually abused the daughter, leading to her death, while the mother is accused of failing to report the abuse despite noticing the child's injuries. The Gauteng Division of the High Court concluded the pre-trial conference after addressing a conflict of interest that required separate legal representation for the accused. The National Prosecuting Authority emphasized its commitment to prosecuting these cases to ensure accountability for crimes against children.
Survey finds South African women dissatisfied with public service delivery
The "A World Built for Someone Else" report by First for Women surveyed over 6,000 South African women, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with public services, banking, and healthcare. Participants identified government services as the primary area where they felt most like an afterthought, and noted that 90.1% of respondents rarely or never feel safe walking alone after dark. The findings highlighted that many women, particularly single parents, currently circumvent institutional inefficiencies by switching providers, relying on community-based "stokvel" savings, or borrowing from family members.
Murder suspect killed in shootout with police in Free State
On 18 August, a 40-year-old man allegedly shot and killed his 36-year-old ex-girlfriend at close range on 10th Street in Tweeling, South Africa, after intercepting her following her shift in Reitz. Following a tip from the public, police from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit and Tweeling Visible Policing pursued the suspect as he attempted to hitchhike. A shootout ensued when the suspect opened fire on responding officers, resulting in the suspect being fatally wounded by police. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the suspect's death, as required by law.
Man sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in KwaZulu-Natal
On 26 July 2025, 25-year-old Kwazi Sithole murdered his ex-girlfriend in the Hluhluwe area of KwaZulu-Natal after chasing her down and strangling her during a chance encounter. Following a trial at the Mtubatuba Regional Court, where prosecutors utilized witness testimony and a Victim Impact Statement, Sithole was sentenced to life imprisonment. The incident occurred after the victim attempted to flee from Sithole, who subsequently shoved a friend attempting to intervene before hiding the victim's body in a nearby thicket.
Gauteng MEC responds to sexual harassment allegations at school
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile ordered a formal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment involving a teacher and a 17-year-old student at Minerva Secondary School. The allegations, which involve inappropriate communication via WhatsApp and other interactions beginning in June 2026, resulted in the teacher being placed on precautionary suspension. The situation caused disruptions to teaching and learning at the school on Tuesday, requiring intervention from district officials, school management, and the South African Police Service.
Man sentenced to life for rape in KwaDabeka
In February 2021, a 40-year-old man in KwaDabeka, KwaZulu-Natal, attacked a woman and her partner after the woman refused his demand for sex. Following a trial in the Pinetown Regional Court, the perpetrator was sentenced to life in prison, ordered to be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders, and declared unfit to possess a firearm. State Prosecutor Nokwanda Mthembu utilized witness testimony and a Victim Impact Statement, in which the survivor detailed the ongoing emotional trauma caused by the assault.
Rape case involving Free State nurse referred for trial
On 13 May, 39-year-old Molahlehi Peter Takalimane allegedly attacked and raped a 60-year-old nurse at Thusanong District Hospital in the Free State. The accused, who was an admitted patient at the facility, reportedly chased staff through hospital corridors before assaulting the nurse and damaging property, including the victim's spectacles. Takalimane appeared in the Odendaalsrus District Court on 15 May and 12 June, where he abandoned a bail application and remains in custody. The case has now been referred to the Odendaalsrus Regional Court, with proceedings scheduled to begin on 26 August.
28-year-old man sentenced to life imprisonment for child rape in Limpopo
The Mahwelereng Regional Court in Limpopo sentenced a 28-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of a 13-year-old girl occurring on 20 September 2024. The victim's family initiated the legal process after the victim’s aunt discovered a mobile phone given to the girl by the assailant, leading to the man's arrest. Despite the defendant pleading not guilty and citing a clean record, the court denied leniency, emphasizing the need for harsh penalties against those who target vulnerable children. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) framed the sentencing as a victory for protecting the constitutional rights to dignity and bodily integrity.
Teacher allegedly sets wife ablaze in Kogi
On 14 August, Jacob Irewa, a teacher and ordained pastor, was arrested in Lokoja, Kogi State, for allegedly setting his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze. The incident followed a domestic dispute in which the suspect discovered his wife had burnt seven of his shirts without his permission. Following the confrontation, Irewa retrieved petrol from his motorcycle and set his wife on fire, leaving the victim to receive treatment at Honey Gold Hospital in Felele. The suspect admitted to the act during police questioning, and authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the attack.
Mpumalanga court sentences child predator to two life terms
The Mpumalanga High Court sentenced 21-year-old Sifiso George Sibiloane to two life terms for the March 2026 rape and murder of seven-year-old Nomvelo Rossow in Charl Cilliers. The conviction followed a police investigation that discovered the victim's blood-soaked clothing in the suspect's possession and her body in a nearby maize field. In addition to the life sentences, the court declared Sibiloane unfit to possess a firearm and ordered his inclusion on the national offenders' register.
Eastern Cape man arrested for alleged murder of his mother
A 40-year-old man was arrested near Tsolo in the Eastern Cape following the murder of his 69-year-old mother, whom he allegedly beat with a stick. Community members detained and assaulted the suspect prior to police intervention, resulting in both the suspect and the victim being transported to the hospital, where the mother was declared dead. This incident occurred within the Eastern Cape, a province that reported the highest per capita murder rate in South Africa during the first quarter of 2026, including 42 domestic violence-related murders and 299 deaths attributed to mob justice.
African Rights Advocates Coordinate Response to Family Law Challenges
Rights advocates, judges, and lawyers convened at the inaugural Africa Family Law Network conference in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 4 to 6, 2026, to address the impact of anti-rights movements on family legislation. The coalition formed to counter campaigns that leverage restrictive interpretations of 'traditional values' to challenge women's rights regarding inheritance, property, divorce, and child custody. Speakers including Irene Mbengue and UN Women regional director Anna Mutavati highlighted how these movements utilize family law to influence broader social structures. Representatives such as Jackie Bless Pinyoloya cited specific legislative concerns in Uganda and an Equality Now 2024 regional study covering 20 African countries as evidence of the ongoing struggle to protect women’s economic contributions.
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