EMALAHLENI — The Vosman community is in turmoil following the inexplicable removal of a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) case from the court roll.
A group of enraged residents, along with political parties and the victim’s family, gathered outside Vosman Police Station, demanding transparency and answerability from law enforcement.
They expressed their exasperation over what they perceived as a deficiency in safeguarding GBV victims and ensuring that justice prevails.
The incident revolves 38-year-old Abongiwe Mcoki, who was viciously assaulted and stabbed by her sister’s purported partner, Lebo Sechefo, also known as “Lebza”.
The occurrence, which transpired on August 4, 2024, prompted many locals to question the efficacy of the local police force and the judicial system.
Lebo Sechefo was apprehended by Vosman police on August 7, 2024, three days after the alleged assault. Nonetheless, the community was dumbfounded when the case was dismissed in court, resulting in the suspect’s release.
The dismissal of the case has sparked widespread concern, especially in light of the revelation that the judge had sought a testimony from a 15-year-old bystander who witnessed the altercation.
The absence of this statement precipitated the suspect’s acquittal, further stoking the community’s ire.
In a startling revelation, Abongiwe Mcoki alleges that the accused, Lebo Sechefo, is employed as a plumber by the very prosecutor overseeing the case, Mr. Mavundla. “It feels like a betrayal. How can I anticipate justice when the individual who assaulted me has affiliations with the prosecutor?” Mcoki articulated tearfully. “I am apprehensive for my safety. If the system fails to shield me, who will?”
In response to the public outcry, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, convened a briefing at the Vosman Police Station on August 12, 2024. He reassured the public that the police are collaborating closely with the prosecution to have the case reinstated expeditiously. “The SAPS remains unwavering in its commitment to assisting all victims of crime, including those impacted by Gender-Based Violence. We are in complete concordance with our counterparts from the prosecution that the paramount concern is the welfare of the victim. Justice will assuredly be dispensed for the victim,” declared Major General Mkhwanazi.
The community has pledged to persist in their pursuit of justice, with numerous individuals affirming that they will not relent until the suspect is held answerable for his deeds. The incident has engendered a renewed plea for enhanced protection of GBV victims and more stringent measures to ensure that such cases are handled with the gravity they warrant.
