​Last Friday, 25 August 2023, hundreds of residents from Kwa-Thema, Tsakane, and Duduza took to the streets to march against the brutal killing of Lerato Kale and all other women who fell victim to gender-based violence and femicide.
The 19-year-old Lerato Kale was found dead under a pile of wet clothes at her home in Tsakane. Her hands and feet were tied together with a doek by her alleged abusive boyfriend. She was strangled and bled to death through her nose and ears.
This happens during the time where the country is observing Women's Month.
As part of United Nations (UN) Orange UNiTE campaign, the Gauteng Department of Social Development invited the community of KwaTsaDuza, law enforcement, government departments, and civil society organisations to wage war against perpetrators of GBVF.
Brother of slain Lerato Kale, Tumelo, said it was a traumatic experience to see his sister's lifeless body lying on the floor.
"The way she was killed was an unpleasant thing to see which I don't want anyone else to experience. Our family is still in shock, even now, we still find it difficult to accept that she is gone," said Tumelo.
"We are looking forward to the criminal case, and we hope justice will be served. The suspect has been arrested and will be appearing on the 1st of September 2023 at the Tsakane Magistrate Court.
The Tsakane Police, Sergeant Lebohang Ramaise said gender-based violence is rampant in the area and called on communities to work together with police to curb the scourge of GBVF.
"We encourage women to come forth, report cases of abuse and stay away from abusive relationships. We will help you to obtain protection order, and peace letters from the court. We will serve it and tell the perpetrator what he should not do," said Ramaise.
He added, "Since July 2022, 674 cases of GBV were reported to Tsakane SAPS. Out of those cases, we made 342 arrests, and 156 cases were withdrawn, 22 were found guilty by the court and sentenced, 264 cases were withdrawn at court and 36 suspects were given diversion programme by the court."