PREMIER LETSOHA-MATHAE LEADS MARCH AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

Photo: Free State Premier Mathabo Letsoha-Mathae

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By: Staff Reporter

Songezo Steven Sejakane and McDonald Masithela stand accused of the murders of Bongiwe Phulampa and Mpho Moalusi.

The two objected to the presence of the media with Masithela complaining about the damage to his “reputation” if his image was beamed on televisions and pictures publicised in newspapers.

Their objection was however dismissed and members of the media were allowed to cover the proceedings.

Premier of the Free State province, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, MECs Jabu Mbalula and Dibolelo Mance also showed up in court in support of the victims and their families.

Before their arrival in court, the Premier and her MECs were part of the March for Justice, a march organised by Thoko Nogabe's Buang Basadi, an organisation opposed to violence against women.

The marchers, with Premier Letsoha-Mathae at the front, walked up Charlotte Maxeke Street in central Bloemfontein and ultimately made their way to court.

Rival political parties, often seen at each other’s throats, put their differences aside and joined forces in support of the families.

Selloane Radebe, whose teenage daughter Machaka was also recently murdered, was present in court to support the bereaved families.

Phulampa was stabbed in Rocklands while Moalusi was repeatedly driven over and her body was discovered near Mangaung prison.

Premier Letsoha-Mathae said she was appalled by the murders of the two women and called for the harshest punishment for the perpetrators.

“Women are not only abused physically but there are those who victimise women through social media platforms by insulting them and demeaning them. We call upon society in particular men to stand up against GBV,” said Letsoha-Mathae.

Both accused were remanded in custody. Masithela’s bail hearing will be heard on 2 July 2024 while Sejakane’s will be heard on the 3rd July 2024.