After the mutilated body of Shenice Jonathan was found in an open field, known as the “Kampie”, in Schauderville, just over two months ago, a group of residents came together and decided that enough is enough.
These residents, from all over the northern areas of Nelson Mandela Bay, founded ENOUGH, a movement that is aimed at supporting victims of gender-based violence, rape and other crimes.
Deputy chairperson of the movement, Apostle Ruth Williams, said that the members of ENOUGH went to visit the families of murder victims and provided support by offering a shoulder to cry on, helping with funeral arrangements, attending court proceedings and protesting at such proceedings for the rights of the victims. The movement also offers temporary one-on-one trauma and spiritual counselling.
“We don’t leave the victims of crime alone to fend for themselves. We give them reassurance that they don’t have to be afraid,” Williams said.
“The day that we heard about Shenice’s murder, we knew that the time had come to stand together. What happened to her was absolutely horrific, but through her death, our eyes were opened and we realised that we cannot be silent anymore. Her murder really affected us all in so many different ways. Our chairperson, Nadia Peterson, sent out a general message that we should stand together and we knew that it was time to start a movement,” she added.
The body of the 26-year-old mother from Korsten was found with multiple stab wounds in the “Kampie”, on the morning of August 6, by a resident on his way to work. She had left the previous night to visit a friend in Schauderville.
“We have not only lost Shenice, but also Carmen [Jacobs], Latifa [Salim] and Melissa [Marlouw],” Williams said as she counted down the names of women murdered in the northern areas over the past few months.
“There are a few women that were raped that we are currently walking a mile with them too. We are sick and tired of gender-based violence.” She added that they would also be offering support to the family of 19-year-old Moesha Mogatha, who is currently fighting for her life after recently being stabbed and beaten, as well asa swear word being carved into her forehead.
Deputy head of the movement’s PR and marketing department, Tiphany Harmse, said that although they had only been active for about a month-and-a-half, victims of gender-based violence had been coming forward and telling their stories. “It is a very prevalent problem in our society, but people that were too scared to come out are now talking about what happened to them and reporting it.
“We are aiming to be the voice of the victims and now the unspoken truths in homes are finally being revealed,” she added.
Secretary of ENOUGH, Denise Peterson, added that since Jonathan’s body was found in this open field, they have started a clean-up campaign taking place every Saturday.
“We want to make a statement and we are doing it in every possible way. We also want to turn all these dumping sites into beautiful, clean areas,” she said.
Williams mentioned that the movement, which is in the process of registering as an NPO, would like to get involved with schools, as they know that there are many social issues to be addressed at schools.
“We want to be a help to all,” she concluded.
Anyone who would like to get involved with ENOUGH, or is a victim of any crime who is too scared to report the incident to the police, can contact Peterson on 065 588 9073.
