Latest news with #LukhonaFose
IOL News
15-06-2025
- IOL News
The role young boys play in ending SA's GBV crisis
Exploring the pivotal role of young boys in combating gender-based violence in South Africa, this article highlights alarming statistics and recent tragedies that underscore the urgent need for change. Image: Ai Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to remain a critical issue in South Africa, with consistent reports showing high rates of violence against women and girls. Most recently, the country was shaken by the murders of Wits University postgraduate student Mongale and 14-year-old Lukhona Fose, tragedies that reignited national outrage and reminded the public that violence remains deeply entrenched in homes and communities. According to the first South African National Gender-Based Violence Study conducted in 2024, 33.1% of women aged 18 and older have experienced physical violence at some point in their lives. The study also revealed that 9.8% of women reported experiencing sexual violence at some point in their lives. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading As GBV worsens, public anger also intensified after Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused were acquitted of rape and trafficking charges earlier this year with civil society organisations slamming the NPA for mishandling the case. "The recent events in South Africa underscore serious flaws in our Justice System —particularly in how Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases are reported and handled. These failures are evident at every stage of the judicial process – from poor police responses and delays in prosecution to the inability to bring cases to conclusion – leaving survivors without justice, closure, or meaningful recourse". said Oxam South Africa. Oxfam South Africa is a social justice organisation committed to tackling the root causes of poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence. While essential services for survivors remain a critical part of the GBV response, many experts argue that focusing on prevention, especially among boys and young men is key to lasting change. One organisation leading this preventative work is Sonke Gender Justice, an NGO dedicated to advancing gender equality and promoting human rights across the country. One organisation leading this preventative work is Sonke Gender Justice, an NGO dedicated to advancing gender equality and promoting human rights across the country. Image: Sonke Gender Justice Among its initiatives are MenCare, which promotes involved and nurturing fatherhood, and One Man Can, which encourages men and boys to challenge harmful notions of masculinity and adopt more equitable behaviours. "Young men and boys have a pivotal role to play in breaking the cycle of gender-based violence in South African communities. Addressing GBV requires the active participation of all members of society, particularly young men who represent the future of our communities" said Josephine Mukwendi, Regional Programmes Specialist at Sonke. According to Mukwendi the organisation also creates safe spaces for young men to talk openly about power, relationships, and what it means to be a man. "Young men can also serve as peer educators and mentors for younger boys, helping to shape positive masculine identities from an early age. By demonstrating that strength comes from protecting rather than harming others and that real men resolve conflicts without violence, they can influence the next generation's understanding of what it means to be a man," Also working to shift behaviour among boys is Father A Nation, an organisation that operates in schools and communities with a two-part model: No Excuse for Abuse, which educates young men on the root causes and consequences of GBV. Among its initiatives are MenCare, which promotes involved and nurturing fatherhood, and One Man Can, which encourages men and boys to challenge harmful notions of masculinity and adopt more equitable behaviours. "Young men and boys have a pivotal role to play in breaking the cycle of gender-based violence in South African communities. Addressing GBV requires the active participation of all members of society, particularly young men who represent the future of our communities" said Josephine Mukwendi, Regional Programmes Specialist at Sonke. According to Mukwendi the organisation also creates safe spaces for young men to talk openly about power, relationships, and what it means to be a man. "Young men can also serve as peer educators and mentors for younger boys, helping to shape positive masculine identities from an early age. By demonstrating that strength comes from protecting rather than harming others and that real men resolve conflicts without violence, they can influence the next generation's understanding of what it means to be a man," Also working to shift behaviour among boys is Father A Nation, an organisation that operates in schools and communities with a two-part model: No Excuse for Abuse, which educates young men on the root causes and consequences of GBV. "Men need to lead the fight against GBV so they play the most important role. Teaching, inspiring, and mentoring boys and men to live with positive, healthy masculinity is the key to breaking the cycle of abuse." Craig Wilkinson Founder and CEO. Wilkinson also believes that the lack of positive role models in society also contributes to and exacerbates the scourge of GBV in the country. "Poverty, lack of unemployment and most importantly lack of father figures also contribute to the scourge of GBV in the country, which is also what we teach young boys about positive masculinity" IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- The Citizen
Are police winning the war on Gender-Based Violence?
Despite the challenges, police reported a strong showing in training and enforcement efforts. While nearly 100 police stations in the country still lack a dedicated Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desk, the South African Police Service (Saps) has exceeded several of its performance targets in the fight against gender-based crimes. GBV remains a crisis in South Africa, with alarming rates of women and children falling victim, often at the hands of those closest to them. On Wednesday, Saps briefed the Portfolio Committee on Police on its Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Action Plan. The plan, finalised on 15 January 2025, is aligned with the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF and the term of the Seventh Administration (2025–2029), with an evaluation scheduled for 2028/29. Improving Services Despite the challenges, police reported a strong showing in training and enforcement efforts. 'From 1 April 2024 to 31 December 2025, 8 069 members received proactive GBV training, while 19 263 received reactive training, far exceeding the targets of 4 727 and 11,983 respectively,' the police said in their presentation. Of the country's 1 165 police stations, 1 070 have designated victim-friendly rooms (VFRs), leaving 95 stations to rely on alternative spaces. 'We completed 18 VFRs during the 2024/25 financial year and plan to add another seven in the current year,' Saps told MPs. All provinces scored 100% in meeting the performance criteria for victim-friendly services, offering some reassurance that victims are receiving adequate care where facilities are available. ALSO READ: Police rope in specialised team to probe murder of 14-year-old Lukhona Fose Investigation and Response Saps reported a detection rate of 69.84% for crimes against women (above the 68.13% target) and 63.32% for crimes against children (exceeding the 61.99% target). The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit also grew by 164 members over the past year. First responders have been trained in sexual offences (1 509 officers) and crime scene response (855 officers), strengthening frontline support. ALSO READ: GBV: Convicted Western Cape rapist on the loose a 'direct threat to women's safety' Room for Improvement However, the management of service complaints still has gaps. 'Out of 223 GBVF-related complaints received, only 175 (78.5%) were finalised within the 14-working-day window,' the report noted. Saps is also participating in intersectoral efforts to monitor femicide and is contributing monthly reports to the Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities. 'Action plans will be reviewed annually between February and March to incorporate emerging priorities,' police said, as they reaffirmed their commitment to ending GBV and femicide. NOW READ: 'Declare Limpopo a GBV disaster zone' – ANCWL
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Likhona Fose suspect arrested
Here's your daily news update for Tuesday, 10 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, police have confirmed that a suspect linked to the murder of 14-year-old Likhona Fose has been arrested. Meanwhile, City Power has issued an urgent appeal to Johannesburg residents and businesses to reduce electricity consumption as freezing temperatures sweep across Gauteng. Furthermore, more snow forecast this week, although temperatures are expected to start recovering to normal winter lows from Thursday afternoon. Weather tomorrow: 11 June 2025 The weather service predicts that cold weather will continue to grip most of South Africa tomorrow. Damaging waves are expected in the Eastern Cape, while damaging winds and waves could impact navigation at sea in KwaZulu-Natal. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Suspect arrested in Likhona Fose murder Police have confirmed that a suspect linked to the murder of 14-year-old Likhona Fose has been arrested. The Grade 8 pupil at Ikusasalethu Secondary School in Braamfischerville, Johannesburg, was found dead with her body mutilated in an empty field on Sunday, 1 June. Lukhona Fose. Picture: Supplied Fose's family believes her murder was a homophobic hate crime because the teen identified as lesbian. 'One person was taken in for questioning on Monday, 9 June 2025. He was then linked to the murder and charged accordingly,' said Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo. CONTINUE READING: Suspect arrested in Likhona Fose murder City Power warns Johannesburg residents as cold weather sees spike in outages City Power has issued an urgent appeal to Johannesburg residents and businesses to reduce electricity consumption as freezing temperatures sweep across Gauteng, threatening to overwhelm the city's power infrastructure and trigger widespread outages. The utility company warned on Monday that excessive electricity usage during the current cold snap could cause localised network overloading, particularly in areas where infrastructure is already under strain. Checking the electricity power meter with a candle in cold winter days while there is a power outage. Picture: iStock With the South African Weather Service (Saws) forecasting temperatures to remain between 3 °C and 13°C throughout the week, and some areas expected to drop below freezing, City Power anticipates sustained pressure on the grid. CONTINUE READING: City Power warns Johannesburg residents as cold weather sees spike in outages More snow and biting cold ahead this week The first of many more cut-off low-system cold fronts that will come this winter season hit at the weekend. Significant snowfall was reported over parts of the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, with mountain passes closed as more snow is expected. Picture: iStock The cold temperatures will also continue, following the first two cold fronts of the season that made landfall over the country this weekend. South African Weather Service senior forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said temperatures were expected to start recovering to normal winter temperatures from Thursday afternoon as the cold front passes. CONTINUE READING: More snow and biting cold ahead this week KZN pensioner killed and daughter left with a slit throat in attack A pensioner in her eighties has been murdered and her 60-year-old daughter critically injured after a brutal attack at their Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, home. The pensioner sustained multiple stab wounds to her face and body and was pronounced dead upon examination. Picture: iStock The 60-year-old daughter's throat was slit and she sustained stab wounds to her cheeks, neck and hands; said Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA). She reportedly bled extensively from these injuries, but the paramedics were able to stabilise her on scene. She has been transported to hospital. CONTINUE READING: KZN pensioner killed and daughter left with a slit throat in attack Spar South Africa CEO resigns amid financial challenges to lead McDonald's Spar South Africa CEO Max Oliva has resigned from the group, just days after the retailer announced a decline in profits and a R4 billion loss. The retailer said Oliva resigned after 30 years at Spar on Tuesday. Max Oliva resigns as Spar South Africa CEO to lead McDonald's South Africa. Picture: Supplied 'It has been an honour to serve Spar for the past three decades. While this was not an easy decision, I am confident that the business is in capable hands. Angelo has my full support, and I am excited to see how the team continues to build on the momentum we've created,' he said. The retailer said Spar Group chief executive officer, Angelo Swartz, will replace Oliva. CONTINUE READING: Spar South Africa CEO resigns amid financial challenges to lead McDonald's Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Brakpan teen's family heartbroken | Senzo Meyiwa judge apologises | Missing Comrades runner found
Eyewitness News
04-06-2025
- General
- Eyewitness News
Lukhona Fose's family hopes for arrests soon following her murder
WARNING: THE STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC DETAILS JOHANNESBURG - Lukhona Fose's family on the West Rand is hoping that police will make arrests soon. Fose was reported missing last Saturday, and a day later her body was discovered by a passer-by in an open veld not far from her Roodepoort home. On Wednesday, City of Johannesburg Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu is expected to visit the family. The community of Durban Deep, where Fose lived and was brutally killed, is still reeling with anger following her death. Fose was found naked from the waist down, with her private area cut off. The occult team, specialising in hate and muti-related crimes, has been roped in to investigate further, because of the state that Fose's body was found in. The Speaker's office said that Wednesday's visit underscored the city's commitment to protecting children and standing firm against the escalating scourge of violence targeting youth, particularly during Child Protection Week. ALSO READ: Boshielo says investigators not ruling out possibility Lukhona Fose murdered because of her sexuality
Eyewitness News
02-06-2025
- Eyewitness News
Lukhona Fose's family says community last saw her with friends on day she vanished
JOHANNESBURG - The family of a slain teenage girl from Roodepoort, Johannesburg, Lukhona Fose, says community members last saw her walking with a group of friends the day she vanished. Her family reported her missing to the police when she didn't return home on that day. Lukhona's body was later discovered in a veld a day later, brutally mutilated. Her uncle, Mthobeli Fose, says she was found naked from the waist down, with cuts on both her lower and upper body. ALSO READ: Police probing murder case after missing teen girl's body found in Roodepoort veld He says two boys have approached the family, saying they can identify the group of friends she was last seen with. "Police have gone out to search for her group of friends she was last seen with, with the help of the two boys. We are still waiting to hear what happened. They have not gotten back to us yet. We want to know from her friends what really happened and when they separated from each other." Meanwhile, the Gauteng Education Department is providing counselling and trauma support to learners and teachers at Ikusasalethu Secondary School in Braamfischerville, Johannesburg. Fourteen-year-old Fose, a Grade 8 learner from the school, was reported missing over the weekend. Spokesperson Steve Mabona says the incident is devastating, especially during Child Protection Week. "The Department stands with the nation in the condemnation of this barbaric incident. The MEC has indicated that the young girl learner who had a bright future in her life is now finished because of brutal activity that occurred in the hands of people that we don't know."
