Parliament, Thursday, 5 May 2022 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba, has noted with shock the news of the tragic death of the Eastern Cape OR Tambo District Municipality employee Ms Namhla Mtwa.
Ms Mtwa worked in the municipality’s Budget and Treasury Office. According to media reports, Ms Mtwa was gunned down in her driveway in Mthatha last week. It is alleged that a hitman shot her several times as she arrived home from work.
The gruesome killing of women under heinous and mysterious circumstances has become a common crime in some communities in South Africa. Ms Ncube-Ndaba called on all peace-loving South Africans to stand up against this deepening culture of brutality against women.
Women have just as much right to life and security as men in South Africa. “This has reached a point of unbearable proportions and a declaration of war against its perpetrators. We are calling upon the South African Police Service to enhance and strengthen their strategies of fighting this deepening scourge of the killing of women,” said Ms Ncube-Ndaba.
Ms Ncube-Ndaba appealed to the people of OR Tambo to join the police in looking for the perpetrator of this heinous act so that they face the full might of the law. “The committee is appealing to the people of OR Tambo District and Mthatha, in particular, to provide all the support to the Mtwa family and friends during this very difficult and trying time. The South African police must leave no stone unturned to uncover the perpetrator and ensure that they are arrested and rot in prison.”
The committee extends its deepest condolences and support to the Mtwa family and friends during this very difficult journey of grief and mourning for their daughter. “May the soul of Namhla rest in eternal peace.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, MS NONHLANHLA NCUBE-NDABA.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Mava Lukani (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 503 1840
E-mail: mlukani@parliament.gov.za
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