“As women and children, we continuously witness these incidents, where perpetrators are arrested, sent to prison, and later released to live freely again.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Women’s Desk in Matatiele has strongly condemned an incident of gender-based violence following an attack on a 62-year-old woman at Bhubesi village, under Ward 18 of Matatiele. According to the EFF GBV Desk leader, Vuyiswa Sisilane, who also serves as a councillor in Matatiele Local Municipality, the victim is an elderly woman who lives alone at her homestead. The incident reportedly occurred last week on Tuesday at approximately 22:00.
Sisilane shared that the victim stated that she was watching television when the electricity in her house suddenly went off. Upon checking outside, she noticed that her neighbours’ lights were still on, while only her home was without power. She then went outside to reset the electricity switch, which appeared to have been turned off. After returning indoors, the electricity went off again. She went outside a second time to restore the power and, upon doing so, noticed that her curtain was slightly open and that a sharp hand tool had been placed near the door. She then returned inside.
It was at this point that an intruder, who had covered his face with a cloth, attacked her inside the house. The victim attempted to defend herself, but the intruder overpowered her and inflicted serious injuries. Despite this, she managed to escape the house and called out for help. Neighbours responded, but access to the yard was restricted due to a locked gate. The police from Lukholweni Police Station were contacted and arrived at the scene, and began investigating the matter. Upon arrival, police reportedly saw the intruder jumping over the fence and fleeing the area.
Following the incident, the EFF further reported that the traditional leader of the area called upon the community to assist in identifying the suspect. Community members were urged to call on their sons and men within the area to help locate the perpetrator based on the description provided by the victim. Although the victim was unable to see the intruder’s face, she reported that she managed to fight back and may have injured him around the legs. As a result, the community focused on identifying young men with visible injuries consistent with this description. With the assistance of the victim who grew suspicious of one young man, the suspect was eventually identified, apprehended, and arrested. The suspect is expected to appear before the Maluti Magistrate’s Court on 9 February 2026.
The EFF’s GBV Desk called on the justice system to prioritise the protection of women and children. While acknowledging South Africa’s democratic legal framework, the GBV Desk expressed deep frustration with what it described as the justice system’s failure to effectively protect and serve victims of gender-based violence. The EFF GBV Desk stated that perpetrators of such crimes are often arrested, only to be released later on bail or parole, allowing them to return to society as though nothing had happened. They further argued that even lengthy sentences do not always translate into real justice, as parole provisions often result in early release. “As women and children, we continuously witness these incidents, where perpetrators are arrested, sent to prison, and later released to live freely again, even a 15-year sentence is not truly 15 years under South African law because of parole. This is not serving our people, and it is not enough,” said Sisilane.
Sisilane confirmed that its members will be present at the court proceedings. “We, as the women of the EFF, will be present during this court hearing because we strongly stand against gender-based violence. Enough is enough. We are opposing bail in this matter,” she said.
It has been reported that the victim now fears for her life, as it is alleged that the community has been influenced to change the narrative of the story in protection of the perpetrator, given that he is the son of the community headman. The EFF vows to submit a petition opposing bail, as they believe the perpetrator is guilty and there is undeniable evidence, given that the victim managed to fight back, leaving him with visible wounds on his legs.
