Maletswai, 21 November 2025 – The Executive Mayor of the Joe Gqabi District Municipality and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Women’s Commissioner, Councillor (Cllr) Nomvuyo Mposelwa, has expressed deep shock, sadness, and outrage following the horrific rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in Maletswai, allegedly at the hands of a family member.
On 19 November 2025, the Executive Mayor, together with the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality SALGA Women’s Commissioner, Cllr Moyo, visited the bereaved family to pay respects, offer condolences, and provide support during this painful time.
“This brutal killing has left our district devastated. No child should ever have to face such cruelty, and no family should have to endure this kind of loss,” said the Executive Mayor.
“We strongly condemn this horrific act. Femicide and violence against women and children continue to tear our communities apart, and it is unacceptable that perpetrators are often the very people who are supposed to love and protect these children.”
The Executive Mayor emphasised that violence against women and children has reached crisis levels in South Africa and called for collective action to end these atrocities.
“As leaders, parents, neighbours, and community members, we must refuse to normalise or tolerate violence. We cannot allow our homes, which should be the safest environments, to turn into spaces of fear,” she said.
“We call on law enforcement to ensure that justice is served swiftly and decisively. Perpetrators of such heinous crimes must face the full might of the law,” expressed the Executive Mayor.
She further urged communities to report any signs of abuse and to work together to protect vulnerable groups.
“Every life lost due to gender-based violence and femicide is one too many. We must unite to protect our women and children and build a society where they can live free from harm.”
The Joe Gqabi District Municipality will continue working with stakeholders, including SALGA, municipalities, and social services, to strengthen community awareness, support victims of abuse, and drive preventive interventions.
Today, the Joe Gqabi District Municipality employees have a planned prayer session as part of their collective stand against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and in solidarity with victims and survivors.
