In an effort to raise awareness of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), members of Ilitha Labantu together with Lingelethu-West police officers hosted a motorcade
on Wednesday 11 March in memory of Sisipho Mongo, who lived at A Section in Khayelitsha.
She was stabbed and killed allegedly by her brother last month. Lingelethu-West police spokesperson Sgt Xoliswa Nyalambisa said the murder accused appeared at Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 10 March.
She said the case was postponed and the suspect was expected to appear in court again on Friday 10 April.
Community drives through Khayelitsha in GBVF awareness motorcade
The motorcade started with a short prayer in front of Lingelethu-West Police Station. Participants then drove along Spine Road, joined Mew Way Road, and continued to Mfundisweni Street via Tulani Street before heading to Qondani Street, where Mongo lived.
Speakers first addressed the victim’s family before proceeding to the place where Mongo had died, just a few metres from her home, where a short memorial service was held.
Ilitha Labantu supports Sisipho Mongo’s family
Ilitha Labantu legal adviser Unathi Pangwa described the event as part of the #Uthuleleni Anti-GBVF campaign. She said the organisation visited the victim’s family to show its support.
“As Ilitha Labantu we supported the family during the difficult time and we will continue to do so. We were in court yesterday (Tuesday 10 March) when the murder suspect appeared with the family present. Our social workers also visited the family to counsel them.”
She urged the community to stand up and unite against GBVF.Lingelethu-West Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum member Wente Ntaka said she would not wish what happened to the Mongo family on anyone. She encouraged the family to remain strong and allow the authorities to handle the matter.
Family remembers Sisipho Mongo during memorial
Speaking on behalf of the family, Nolwandle Mongo expressed gratitude to everyone who came to comfort them. She described Sisipho’s death as a deep wound that would never heal.
“We want to thank you for your support at this difficult time. It means a lot to us. We didn’t expect it but you showed us love. We are heartbroken by the death of Sisipho. It would have been easier to accept if she had been killed by someone from outside the family.”
She added that the family will try to stay strong despite their loss.
