Chairperson Mandisa Makheseni tells OFM News that they will rally behind Lesedi FM Presenter Dimakatso Ratselane until her husband, who is accused of stabbing her 49 times, faces the full might of the law. 

Speaking to the media outside the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court where the 39-year-old suspect made his first court appearance, Makheseni said gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa has become a second pandemic, which needs urgent attention. She confirmed that they will mobilise EFF members to stand in solidarity with Dimakatso and other GBV victims. She further called on societies to come out in their number to showcase their support when the suspect re-appears on February 23.

OFM News previously reported that the 39-year-old Mackenzie Ratselane was arrested while in hiding in Gauteng after a warrant of arrest was issued for him. The well-known Lesedi FM presenter was found last Thursday by community members in a critical condition, with multiple stab wounds. The provincial police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, in a statement said prior to the attack, she allegedly had an argument with her husband on their way to pick up their children.

He is facing four charges of kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, and attempted murder.

“We call on all South African women to speak up against abuse and not suffer in silence. We are concerned by the escalating cases of GBV in the province and in the country at large, and are calling on all women to stand together and speak up,” said Makheseni.

OFM News