CAPE TOWN – In an effort to raise awareness of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), members of Ilitha Labantu, a social service and educational organisation that focuses on addressing violence against women and children and supporting those affected by it, together with Lingelethu-West police officers, held 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 had appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ 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.
GBVF awareness motorcade
The motorcade started with a short prayer in front of the 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 had lived.
Speakers first addressed the victim’s family before proceeding to the place where Mongo had died, just a few metres from her home. Here, a short memorial service was held.
Support for Mongo’s family
Ilitha Labantu legal adviser Unathi Pangwa described the event as being 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) 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.
Wente Ntaka, Lingelethu-West Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum member, 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.
Victim’s 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.”
She added that the family would try to stay strong despite their loss.
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