Man who murdered TUT student Ntokozo Xaba appears in court. A shocking murder took place at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) recently, where Ntokozo Xaba was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend, Ngcebo Thusi.

Man who murdered TUT student In court

The accused made his first court appearance on Monday and was met with jeering and angry students who chanted songs calling him a killer and expressed their anger over the loss of Xaba. The matter was postponed so that the court could obtain Thusi’s criminal profile and fixed address, but this did not stop the students from rallying and making it clear that they would fight against Thusi being granted bail.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has also responded to the tragedy and is calling for Thusi’s bail to be denied. The CGE is saddened by this senseless killing, which adds to the growing list of gender-based violence (GBV) murders that have taken place within institutions of higher learning.

The commission has conducted investigations in the past to assess gender transformation and GBV at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and one of their recommendations was for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to institute policies and procedures to deal with the scourge of gender-based violence at institutions of higher learning. The CGE is urging DHET to implement these recommendations as soon as possible.

Man who murdered TUT student In court

Thusi has been charged with defeating the ends of justice and murder. According to police, the two were allegedly drinking with friends on the night before the murder, and Xaba’s body was found with stab wounds to the neck the following day. Ekhaya Junction Management, which manages the residence where the murder took place, confirmed that Xaba’s friends were unable to get hold of her on her cellphone and that paramedics found her unresponsive in her room, where she was declared dead at the scene.

Thusi, who is a student studying towards a chemical engineering degree and was a promising scrumhalf who played for the university’s first team, is expected to appear in court again on February 13.

It is a heartbreaking tragedy, and it is vital that the criminal justice system processes these GBV-related cases quickly, denies perpetrators bail, and ensures a high number of convictions. The loss of Ntokozo Xaba is a painful reminder of the importance of addressing gender-based violence and creating safe environments for women and girls in all institutions, including higher learning institutions.

The Commission for Gender Equality’s call to action should not go unanswered, and DHET must take immediate steps to ensure that their recommendations are implemented to prevent further tragedy and to bring justice to the victims and their families.

Gender-based violence in South Africa

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health and human rights issue in South Africa. The country has one of the highest reported incidences of GBV globally, with women and girls being the primary victims. In recent years, there have been numerous high-profile cases of GBV that have shocked the nation and prompted calls for action to address this pervasive issue.

GBV in South Africa is characterized by its devastating impact on the lives of women and girls, with many suffering physical, psychological, and emotional harm. This includes intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and other forms of violence that are inflicted on women and girls as a result of their gender. The consequences of GBV can be severe and long-lasting, including physical injury, psychological trauma, and reduced quality of life.

The roots of GBV in South Africa are deeply entwined with the country’s history of patriarchal and racist oppression. Despite the progress made towards gender equality in recent decades, GBV remains a pervasive and persistent problem in South Africa, reflecting the ongoing legacy of gender-based discrimination and inequality.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for effective and comprehensive responses to GBV. This has led to increased attention from the government, civil society organizations, and the media. However, despite these efforts, the response to GBV in South Africa remains fragmented, with many victims still not receiving the support and services they need.

One of the key challenges in addressing GBV in South Africa is the lack of reliable and consistent data on the issue. This makes it difficult to track trends and monitor progress in preventing and responding to GBV. In addition, the criminal justice system is often ineffective in responding to GBV, with low conviction rates and a lack of effective protection for victims. This has led to a sense of impunity among perpetrators, who know that the likelihood of facing consequences for their actions is low.

The South African government has taken steps to address GBV, including the introduction of new legislation, the development of policies and programs, and the allocation of resources to support victims. However, the implementation of these initiatives has been patchy, and there is a need for more consistent and sustained efforts to tackle GBV.

Civil society organizations have also played an important role in raising awareness of GBV, providing support to victims, and advocating for change. These organizations have been instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of GBV in the national agenda, and for the development of policies and programs to support victims. However, these efforts are often under-resourced, and there is a need for increased investment in the work of civil society organizations.

Media reporting on GBV has also been an important factor in raising awareness and stimulating public discourse on the issue. However, the media has also been criticized for sensationalizing cases of GBV and for perpetuating stereotypes about women and girls that can reinforce gender-based violence.

GBV in South Africa remains a major public health and human rights issue that requires a comprehensive and sustained response. This must include effective policies and programs, increased investment in research and data collection, improved implementation of existing initiatives, and greater collaboration between government, civil society, and the media. Only through collective action can we hope to address this pervasive issue and create a safer, more equal, and more just society for women and girls in South Africa.