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Government Fails Zenizole Vena

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Dear Editor

The heartbreaking story of Zenizole Vena, who escaped after allegedly being held hostage and gang-raped, only to die after being turned away by the very institutions that were meant to help her, is a story that we should never have to tell.

How can a child, a survivor of such atrocious abuse, be left to die on her own in the waiting room of a police station, with no one there to help her?

In this girl’s hour of need, our public institutions failed her. The people employed by the state to help her, failed her.

While our women and children are crying out over gender-based violence, this strong child, crying, bleeding and barely able to walk, was turned away.

The DA extends our heartfelt condolences to Vena’s family, even though we know that no words will be enough to comfort them.

We need action, and we need it now.

Where is Police Minister Bheki Cele now? Where is the 72-hour manhunt to bring Vena’s alleged abductors and rapists to justice?

How lucky was this girl, Minister Cele? She escaped after allegedly being gang raped, only to die on the floor of one of your police stations.

All the solemn promises made by Minister Cele, vowing to combat the scourge of GBV, are nothing but lip service.

I will be writing to the Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, to immediately launch an investigation into this matter.

The DA will also be submitting parliamentary questions to the respective MECs of Health and Community Safety to get clarity on this matter.

These actions cannot be condoned, and heads must roll. Public servants must know that they are there to serve the public. If they are not prepared to do so, they do not deserve to be in the post.

The DA will continue to fight for our women and children to live in a country where they do not have to live in fear of becoming a victim of abuse.

Regards

Nqaba Bhanga MPL
DA EC Provincial Leader

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.