The hearing was postponed to next Tuesday (22/7) to allow for further verification of the accused’s address. The suspect remains in custody.

Leeto acknowledged the postponement and underscored the department’s unwavering stance on child protection. “We remain committed to protecting children, advocating for justice, and ensuring the empowerment of victims,” she said.

Departmental spokesperson Thembile Nqabeni praised the collaborative approach taken by local organisations in supporting the case. “The department will continue to stand in solidarity with the victim and her family, and we will provide psychosocial and all necessary support.

Community urged to assist

“Therefore, we urge community members and stakeholders to continue supporting efforts to protect children, prevent sexual violence, and assist police with investigations.”

He commended the contributions of non-profit organisations, faith-based organisations, churches, and law enforcement agencies, describing their involvement as crucial in pursuing justice.

The Free State government had pledged its full support for the national Gender Based Violence and Femicide Strategy. This strategy focuses on five pillars: prevention, protection, response, care, and societal transformation.

The scourge of abuse and brutal killings of women and children in the Free State has highlighted the dire consequences of untreated mental health issues among men, Leeto warned.

‘While men and women face many of the same health concerns, men are significantly less likely to seek medical attention’

Concerns were also raised on the trend across communities that mental health issues – especially among men – go unaddressed due to stigma, denial, and social expectations.

This reluctance to seek help, experts say, contributes to a toxic cycle of emotional repression and, in some cases, violence. One of them, Ernst van Rensburg from Dis-Chem, has previously highlighted mental health as one of the critical health challenges faced by men, alongside prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

“While men and women face many of the same health concerns, men are significantly less likely to seek medical attention,” Van Rensburg said. Traditional notions of masculinity discourage emotional expression, leading to isolation and untreated mental health issues, factors that can dangerously escalate into violent behavior.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsicvs