EFF Aims Spotlight on Slow Justice for Gender-Based Violence Cases in Vhembe

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Vhembe region of Limpopo have raised an outcry against what they perceive as the sluggish pace and mishandling of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide cases by the judicial system in Thohoyandou. Calling attention to several cases that involve prominent figures and span serious offenses—ranging from rape to murder—EFF Vhembe Chairman, Advocate Patrick Matodzi, underscored a worrisome trend where justice is not only delayed but at times, seemingly denied.

The EFF's criticism comes in the wake of prominent cases that have shocked the local community and garnered media attention. Among them is the case of comedian Livhuwani Madadzhe, known as SABC Livhu, accused of the murder of his wife, and Judas Munyai's case, which involves the shooting of a Thohoyandou lawyer, Mmbambadzeni James Manwadu. Similarly, Mashudu Bele faces allegations of heinous crimes including murder, kidnapping, and rape.

Matodzi expressed his indignation at the stall in legal proceedings, stating that such delays empower the accused to continue posing threats to society. The EFF representative voiced concerns about the potential tampering or mishandling of vital elements such as DNA tests, post-mortem results, evidence, and witnesses. Notably, Matozi mentioned that none of these cases had progressed to either the regional court or the high court for trial, a situation he attributed to the broader dysfunction within the South African Police Service and the public prosecutors of the area.

On the other hand, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokeswoman, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, countered the allegations put forth by the EFF, pointing out that the investigatory process was complete in Bele's case and that it was set for trial in June, while the case involving Madadzhe was postponed to late April to finalize further investigations. Also, Malabi-Dzhangi reaffirmed that Munyai’s case was on the court roll for an early March transfer to the high court for trial.

Despite the NPA's response, the EFF’s outcry spotlights the substantial societal concerns on the effective handling of GBV cases. It brings to light issues of inefficiency and bureaucratic lethargy within the South African criminal justice system, particularly in areas like Vhembe. The EFF's stance is much more than a criticism; it is a call for urgency and an improvement of justice delivery, especially for crimes which victimize women and challenge the morality and safety of the community.

The slow pace at which these high-profile cases are moving through the justice system is emblematic of a broader crisis in dealing with gender-based violence, a severe problem in South Africa, which has one of the highest rates of such violence in the world. GBV victims, their families, and larger communities expect and deserve expedient justice, and the EFF’s public denouncement of these delays aims to apply pressure for reformation and prompt action from all stakeholders within the judicial system.

As society progresses, the need for systemic improvements in addressing gender-based violence becomes increasingly undeniable. It is essential for those in power to heed the calls from organizations and activists striving to uplift and protect their communities.