Speaking during a stakeholder engagement on GBVF at the Harry Gwala Multipurpose Centre in Sasolburg on Tuesday, 9 June, Free State social development MEC Mathabo Hlalele challenged men to reject harmful stereotypes that discourage them from seeking help. She encouraged them to make use of available government support services. 

Her remarks come in the wake of a tragic incident that occurred in the early hours of Sunday in Hennenman, where a police officer allegedly shot and killed four of his girlfriend’s family members before taking his own life. 

According to reports, the officer went to a plot where a family gathering was taking place in search of his girlfriend. It is alleged that he became angry when he could not find her and subsequently drew his firearm, opening fire on five people.

Three people were killed instantly. The deceased included the officer’s girlfriend’s mother, uncle and another woman. 

Two other people sustained injuries during the shooting, one dying in hospital later. Reflecting on the importance of mental health and emotional support, Hlalele urged men not to suffer in silence.

“Men, stop bottling things up. That’s what kills you. Just because there’s a saying ‘monna ke nku ha alle’ (‘a man is a sheep, he doesn’t cry’) does not mean you must suffer in silence. If you have a problem, go to social workers and tell them your problems. They will help you.”

Hlalele said addressing mental health challenges and encouraging men to seek support were critical components in efforts to combat violence and build safer communities.

She further condemned all forms of violence against women and children, emphasising that respect for human dignity and bodily autonomy must remain at the centre of initiatives aimed at creating safer communities.

Hlalele also highlighted the challenges posed by high unemployment levels in the province and across the country. She encouraged young people to use their education and skills to participate in government-supported economic initiatives, including cooperatives designed to create sustainable livelihoods.

As part of government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening support services for victims of abuse, Hlalele officially handed over a vehicle to a local shelter. This will assist in transporting survivors of violence to places of safety and ensuring they receive the necessary support while their cases are being processed.

“When someone opens a case, they are fetched and placed in the shelter until the case is completed,” she explained.

Hlalele said the handover demonstrates government’s determination to improve victim support services and provide practical interventions in the fight against GBVF.

As cases of abuse, femicide, and sexual violence against women and children continue to rise, the department of social development has introduced more coordinated and inclusive strategies to address what President Cyril Ramaphosa has described as South Africa’s “second pandemic”.

OFM News previously reported the scale of the challenge remains significant in the Free State.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh

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