“Enough is enough”- Barberton residents

BARBERTON – The community is up in arms over Gender-Based Violence perpetrators and the recent death of a 19 year-old whose body was found wrapped in a bag by her boyfriend.

Nontobeko Nosipho Msithini’s boyfriend(38) was rescued by police after he was assaulted by angry resident. after they found him pushing a trolley with a bag on Sunday, February 19. This raised suspicions from people who saw him and immediately alerted others. He is currently under police guard and has not appeared in court. However, residents say they have had enough of murderers who think they are above the law.

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On Tuesday, the community gathered at Greyville section with the acting MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Speedy Mashilo. Tensions were high as residents told Mashilo of how perpetrators get away with murder.

“The justice system is too lenient to criminals. We’ve seen people getting arrested and a few days later, they roam the streets as if they have done nothing wrong,” said one of the community members. Another who wished to remain anonymous said government drags its feet when it comes to issues of Gender Based- Violence. “The courts must change the way they do things because more women and children are dying on a daily basis in South Africa. Enough is enough.”

Mashilo sympathized with the family and community. He informed them that the police gave him a full report of the incident. He said although full details surrounding Msithini’s death are still unknown, an investigation is underway.

WATCH: Speedy Mashilo addresses residents

WATCH | Community Safety MEC Speedy Mashilo has visited the Msithini family in Barberton to pay his respects to the death of Nontokozo. He also addressed the community outside the home. pic.twitter.com/Yjt19fHpPd

— Mpumalanga Mirror (@MPMirror) February 21, 2023

After the discovery of the body, some community members took matters into their hands but the police were called to the scene where the suspect was arrested.

Mashilo pleaded with the community to keep calm during this difficult time stating that taking their law into their own hands will not solve anything but would only contribute to the high crime statistics of the province.

READ MORE | Man hands himself over for murder of minor

“We are working closely with the police. The suspect will recover and face the night of the law in order for us all to know what led to the gruesome killing of this young woman.”

He also encouraged witnesses with any information to come forward. “If there’s anyone who saw or knows what happened, do alert the police because statements and witnesses are important to have in all cases,” said Mashilo.