Family identifies body of woman beaten to death in Gugulethu

The young woman found in Gugulethu whose body was badly beaten has been identified as that of a 24-year-old from Mfuleni who had been living in Langa.

On Friday morning the body was found in a field with a rock on her face. The woman was wearing black jeans, a white hoodie and white sneakers.
Ilitha Labantu advocacy group, who is working with the victim’s family, said her body was identified by her family yesterday at a Salt River mortuary. The organisation did not disclose more information, saying the family needed space to mourn and notify other relatives.
Noloyiso Rwexana, police spokesperson said no arrests had yet been made.

This incident comes as two more women were murdered at the weekend and as the South Africa was reeling from the murders of other women last month, including Janika Mallo 14-year-old, Jesse Hess of UWC and Uyinene Mrwetyana first-year students of UCT.

Yesterday outside Parliament, interfaith organisations held a prayer service in response to the continuing abuse, femicide and rape of women and children. The religious leaders also prayed for the government and for healing for the bereaved families. Mandisa Monakali Ilitha Labantu founder, 59, said they had dealt with more than 50 cases of sexual violence against women and children in the past months.

Monakali, a survivor of domestic abuse, established the organisation in the hope of empowering women and girls. She also wanted to make support services more easily available to victims, as she had to travel far to receive help when she needed it.

By: Ellouise Muller