Murder of South African Woman Olorato Mongale Sparks Outrage Over Femicide

The murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale in South Africa has sparked outrage over the country’s high femicide rates. Allegedly killed by a man she was dating, her case highlights a disturbing pattern of violence against women. Activists are urging the government to take stronger action against gender-based violence and femicide, with statistics revealing thousands of cases each year.

A recent murder in South Africa has ignited widespread anger and concern over the country’s alarming femicide rates. Olorato Mongale, a 30-year-old woman and former journalist, was allegedly killed by a man she had been on a date with. This grim incident is just one in a series of violent cases against women and children, drawing attention to a pervasive issue in the nation.

Mongale’s friends became alarmed when she stopped communicating during a date in Johannesburg on May 25. Tragically, her body was discovered later that same day. The primary suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was killed by police in a shootout five days after Mongale’s murder. Another suspect, Bongani Mthimkhulu, is still at large. Reports indicate that both men have been linked to multiple cases of kidnapping and robbery, using the guise of romantic encounters at malls under what authorities are terming a “romance dating scam.”

Statistics paint a grim picture of the situation in South Africa, which has one of the world’s highest femicide rates. In the 12 months leading up to March 31, 2024, over 27,600 murders were reported, with women and children constituting a significant portion of those statistics—specifically, 5,578 women and 1,656 children. The United Nations reported that globally, about 1.3 women per 100,000 faced murder by intimate partners or relatives in 2023, while the South African Medical Research Council cited a much higher rate of 5.5 during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cameron Kasambala, a community manager for the organization Women For Change, lamented the cyclical nature of violence that women face today. She stated, “Women die no matter what they do. They’ve been stabbed while they sleep, shot in broad daylight and had their houses burned down by former partners.” Moreover, she attributes some of this violent behavior to South Africa’s historical context, noting how apartheid’s legacy fosters hypermasculinity in men.

This incident follows a string of high-profile cases of violence against women, including that of Uyinene Mrwetyana in 2019 which sparked protests, and Racquel “Kelly” Smith selling her own daughter. Activists stress the need to recognize that countless other cases go ignored each year, highlighting a broad societal problem.

In April, Women For Change submitted a petition with 150,000 signatures urging the government to declare gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster. Kasambala commented on the importance of this framing, suggesting it could influence law enforcement, legal systems, and healthcare responses to the issue. However, South Africa’s Minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, did not specifically address that demand in her response, suggesting ongoing government commitment but lacking urgency.

Naeemah Abrahams from the SAMRC remarked that legislation alone will not solve the problem of gender-based violence. She highlighted the societal norms that underlie this violence, observing that many believe women should conform to predefined roles as financial dependents.

Mongale’s family and friends had big dreams for her, as suggested by Criselda Kananda, a friend of Mongale’s mother. Mongale was known for her vivacity—she had taught English in South Korea and managed to buy a property in her hometown, Bloemfontein. Kananda reflected on Mongale’s character, remembering her as “a bubbly ball of energy, who just lit up any space that she entered.”

In a heartbreaking moment, Mongale’s mother visited her apartment for the first time since her death and was confronted by baking supplies, remnants of a life full of promise and love. Kananda encapsulated the void left by Mongale’s passing: “We really are struggling … It’s things like these that are now painting a reality that she is no more.”

The tragic murder of Olorato Mongale has reignited discussions about the alarming rates of femicide in South Africa. With statistics revealing thousands of murders each year and many go unnoticed, activists are calling for urgent government action to address gender-based violence. This incident reflects a broader issue rooted in historical narratives and societal expectations. Ultimately, more must be done to protect women and prevent further tragedies in the nation.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com