SAPS must drop all charges against the Umthwalume leader!
Tomorrow morning, 02 September, R2K in KZN will picket with the community of Umthwalume outside Umzumbe magistrate court demanding that the police drop all charges against Hlengiwe Gasa.
Gasa was arrested for leading a march of about 100 women who were expressing their anger at the killing of women and children in the Umthwalume area.
It is deeply disturbing to witness the intimidation and arrest of innocent community activists by the police instead of intensifying their efforts in ending gender-based violence.
A sixth body of a woman was discovered in the sugarcane veld last Saturday. This is an indication that the police should work hand in hand with the Umthwalume women as it is reported that this community also experiences high levels of sexual harassment against women.
We strongly condemn the treatment meted out on comrade Gasa. As R2K, we want to once again raise our voice to say enough is enough. We cannot afford to remain silent while there’s a silent war against women and children. We call on the national government to intensify advocacy, public awareness, training and support with a developmental approach in order to address the current scourge.
We must not wait for the 16 days of activism in order to see our government’s commitment in fighting against this scourge. Government must act decisively against the officials who detained comrade Gasa.
Picket details:
Date: 02 September 2020
Venue: Umzumbe Magistrate Court
Time: 9AM
For more information contact:
Blessings Nyuswa R2K KZN Coordinator: 073 182 7862
Verushka Memdutt R2K KZN Activist:083 311 6397
Thabo Maile R2K NWG Member: 078 119 4257
