SAPS’ alleged poor communication disheartens GBV victim’s family

July 15, 2024 223

The family of the late, Dorcas ‘Didi’ Lekganyane, has expressed her disappointment in the SAPS’ alleged lack of efficient communication with them, saying the only update they have received with regards to Didi’s case has only been through external people.

The 32-year-old trailblazer was stabbed to death multiple times at her matrimonial home in Kew, Johannesburg, last week allegedly by her partner.

Lekganyane was recently recognised as one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans making strides in their respective sectors.

Her relatives say they were not aware that the suspect ingested poison after allegedly committing the murder.

Speaking to YNews, Didi’s sister, Lethabo, says this is disheartening, because as a family they deserve to be updated.

She says although her sister was planning on leaving her partner at the time of her passing, her death has come as a shock to them because they never feared for her safety.

Lethabo says they hope will admit guilt when he appears before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court tomorrow and save the family the stress of having to fight with him for answers.

On how they would like the 32-year-old to be remembered, Lethabo said they want her to be recalled as someone who charted her own path as an African woman in the science field.

Lethabo further shared one of the quotes her sister lived by as well as a video of it.

“Never fear to chart your own path. Never fear being the first. She lived by the words of Mimi Odhiambo – Be a bad girl,” Lethabo told YNews.

The social justice movement, Not in My Name, says Lekganyane’s murder highlights the disturbing prevalence of GBV in the country.

The organisation’s Themba Masango expressed sadness over the continued rise of the cases.

According to last quarter’s crime statistics, 4 264 suspects were arrested for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide-related (GBVF) crimes, including rape and sexual assault.

Dorcas’ Didi’ Lekganyane, 32, was stabbed multiple times allegedly by her partner in their home in Bramley, Johannesburg, on 11 July 2024. It is alleged that police responded to a domestic violence incident when they found Didi with multiple stabbing wounds. Her partner was also… pic.twitter.com/eVpPqf0Znk

— Women For Change (@womenforchange5) July 14, 2024