Woman allegedly shot dead by husband in Eastern Cape police station

A 28-year-old woman was allegedly gunned down by her husband inside the Madeira Police Station in Mthatha, Eastern Cape on Monday afternoon 7 September. 

The incident took place on the same day President Cyril Ramaphosa elaborated on three new bills set to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV). 

Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga has expressed shock and dismay at the domestic violence-related killing.

WOMAN ALLEGEDLY SHOT DEAD WHILE REPORTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AT POLICE STATION 

Eastern Cape SAPS Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said a preliminary report suggests that the woman had gone to the police station to report domestic violence. 

“Whilst she was busy reporting to the police officer at the Community Service Centre, the husband entered the station and without saying anything, started shooting at the wife who succumbed to injuries sustained at the scene,” said Kinana. 

The 42-year-old suspect, who is believed to be working as a security guard in one of the prominent Security Companies in Mthatha, is alleged to have attempted to escape after committing the crime in the police station but was chased and eventually arrested by police. 

“The firearm he had in his possession was confiscated and will be sent to the forensic laboratory for ballistic testing,” said Kinana. 

Ntshinga strongly condemned the murder of the woman and described it as “unwarranted” and “devastating”.

“The fact that the suspect followed the deceased all the way to the police station demonstrates a premeditated onslaught on the woman. This is very sad and unfortunate. I am, however, delighted at the rapid move by the police to arrest the suspect. Acts of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide cannot be forgiven, therefore, the suspect must face the law and answer for his actions” said Ntshinga.

A murder case has been opened against the suspect for investigation. Once charged, the suspect will appear in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on murder-related charges.

RAMAPHOSA DESCRIBES THREE NEW BILLS TO FIGHT GBV 

On the same day the woman was trying to secure safety inside the police station, Ramaphosa, in his weekly letter, said the introduction of three new bills relating to GBV is government honouring the promise made to protestors last year and to all the women of South Africa. 

One year ago thousands of women, men and children marched to Parliament to protest against a spate of rapes and killings of women and girls. At the time, the nation was reeling from the murders of Uyinene Mrwetyana, Leighandre Jegels, Jesse Hess and a number of other women who had lost their lives at the hands of men.

“Now, we are on the cusp of the most far-reaching legislative overhaul in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide,” said Ramaphosa. 

“These Bills, once finalised, will help to restore the confidence of our country’s women that the law is indeed there to protect them,” added Ramaphosa. 

More information on the three bills can be found here.