The issue of GBV is one of 13 issues raised by Cope's national spokesperson, Dennis Bloem. 

The statement comes a day after a 39-year-old suspect appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court in the Free State on charges of attempted murder and kidnapping of his wife Dimakatso Raletsane. 

Recently, another man accused of killing a pregnant woman, Tshegofatso Pule, was sentenced to 30 years in jail after pleading guilty to all charges against him. Pule’s boyfriend, Muzikayise Malephane (31), was also in a surprise turn of events arrested and is now being charged with murder and defeating the ends of justice. 

Meanwhile, the EFF Central Command Team’s Sharon Letlape on Tuesday criticised the government’s handling of the killing of women and accused it of failing to protect women.

Members of the Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF), who also attended the court in Bloemfontein, called for justice to be served in the matter between the state and the 39-year-old husband of Lesedi FM News and current affairs presenter.

The forum's Mannehileng Letuka in the Free State says Mackenzie Ratselane, who stands accused of stabbing his wife and popular presenter multiple times, should be harshly punished to serve as an example to many others.

Mackenzie appeared before Magistrate Marinda Marx and made a surprise revelation that he will not be going through with his bail application. He stands accused of attempted murder, kidnapping, possession of a firearm and ammunition, and he could further be slapped with an additional charge.

The matter was subsequently postponed to 23 March 2021 for a further police investigation. State prosecutor, Sello Matlhoko, informed the Magistrate that the state is yet to solicit three statements and will further await the ballistic report. Mackenzie remains in custody for now.

OFM News