ANC WOMEN'S LEAGUE ON FEMICIDE

The ANCWL (African National Congress Women's League) is extremely concerned at the high levels of femicide in South Africa, the Medical Research Council of South Africa released a study indicating a women is killed by her intimate partner every eight hours in this county, a statistic that is both shocking and unacceptable.

The recent incident where South African Olympic star Oscar Pistorious is alleged to have murdered his intimate partner Reeva Steenkamp brings this type of crime once again into the spotlight. While this incident has shocked most South Africans and people around the world. It is not an isolated incident. The State have indicated via media reports that they have a strong case of premeditated murder against Pistorious and that they will be opposing his bail application. It is with this in mind that the ANCWL urge the Magistrate to heed the call of the prosecutors in this case and deny bail.

No women should have to die at the hands of their romantic partner, but research indicates just over 50% of all women murdered are the result of intimate femicde. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the bright young woman who had the world at her feet just a week ago, but that was all taken away from her in an instant. Justice must be served in this case and we believe Pistorious must be treated like any other person accused of such crimes and no special circumstances should be considered based on his celebrity status.

Statement issued by Troy Martens on behalf of the ANC Women's League, February 17 2013

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