Congress of South Africa Trade Unions in the Eastern is shocked and appalled by the gruesome and barbaric killing of a mother and her 5 children at Dabekweni area. The lifeless bodies of mother, 42 years old, and her children and her children who are between 6 months and 10 years were all found at their home.

The heinous act was allegedly perpetrated by the husband of the deceased woman. The suspect fled the horrific scene and was later apprehended in Ginsburg Township in King William’s Town. It is common that the culprits in these acts of violence are people known to the victims and the majority of them being lovers or ex-lovers. If we cannot love women and children, at least we must not hurt them.

No amount of words can explain how things ended up in the bloodshed that inflicted pain and anguish to the victims’ families. The villagers are still reeling from the shock and are overwhelmed with grief. This mass killing undermines the 16 Days of no violence against women and children campaign and reduces efforts of protecting women and children to nothing.

We urge government to provide psycho-social support to those affected and support the affected family in the preparations for a dignified funeral. We call upon the law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is done.

Issued by COSATU Eastern Cape

Contact:

Mkhawuleli Maleki

COSATU Provincial Secretary

Mobile: 082 339 5482

Email: mkhawuleli@cosatu.org.za