Call for charges against mother who allegedly killed man accused of raping daughter scrapped

JOHANNESBURG - Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta is calling for an immediate scrapping of murder charges against a mother who allegedly killed a man accused of raping her disabled daughter.

The 44-year-old woman was arrested earlier in April, shortly after the incident occurred in Lady Frere.

She is currently out on R500 bail.

On 5 April, a mother walked into a scene of a 65-year-old man on top of her disabled daughter in Cacadu.

It is understood that the old man had taken the girl to his residence when the mother had left to go to town.

The mother reportedly struck the old man with a chair to get him off her child before community members came in to attack the man to his death.

Fanta said the mother’s actions should be viewed within the context of a woman trying to protect her child from sexual assault.

MEC’s spokesperson, Mpumzi Zuzile, said, “In response to the public outcry, MEC Fanta has called for a thorough review of the legal proceedings against the mother, urging the authorities to consider the broader implication of the case on societal attitudes towards gender-based violence. We must prioritise the safety and well-being of our children and ensure that our justice system reflects the values of compassion and understanding.”

The woman will be appearing in the Lady Frere Magistrate Court next week.