MAHALA! IT’S FRE
E!
TAKE ON E
03-10 JULY 2020 (ISSUE #8)
www.mapepeza.online/newspaper
Racism on ‘lockdown’ in Rensburg! City Of Ekurhuleni
YOUNG LADY STAGES PROTEST OUTSIDE ABUSER’S HOME!
By Lebhang Mashiloane
When the nationwide lockdown started in late March, only essential services workers were allowed to continue working. When clinic staff worker, Refiloe Ramphone returned from work, she passed by the local U-Save store to buy airtime before going home. Nearing her house, a neighbour in his yard asked her what she was doing in the streets. Refiloe, not knowing who this man was, continued on her way. When he persisted, claiming everyone must stay home, Miss Ramphone was met with multiple racist ranting saying: “you K**firs are the reason this disease is going to spread!” The abuse went from bad to worse when was slapped on the face by this angry neighbour who used the derogatory words.
The incident occurred at Rensburg, a small township in Heidelberg. Refiloe has been living there with her family for years. When her father was told about the fight, he wanted to handle things himself, but called the police to confront the perpetrator. When police interviewed the suspect, he admitted he assaulted Refiloe and everything he said to her. A case was opened. Because of lockdown restrictions (being at level 5 at the time), Ramphone could not follow up with her case to court. She was not even contacted by police to provide progress on her case. “I called then a week later for a follow up and I was told the prosecutor said my case was not ‘strong enough’ because I hit him back,” explained Ramphone. According to her, the legal system has failed her twice. She believes that perpetrators are given favours to some extent - making cases like hers to not even get a day in court. “I’m so angry! That’s it.” When Reflioe shared her experience on social
LESEDI RATES AND TARIFFS 2020/21
media, it caught the attention of many residents in Lesedi who also posted their frustrations with how local police handle Gender-Based Violence cases. Seeing that no action has been taken, members of the EFFSC (EFF Student Command) joined Ramphone to protest outside the perpetrator’s house recently. “When Refiloe posted about her lived experience, it evoked many emotions in black people. As activists we organized ourselves to be in solidarity with Refiloe
not just her but the thousands of women and people who are victims of GBV and racism. As activists decided that it was time to confront racism,” said the EFFSC. Assembling at the man’s home, it took only a few minutes before Heidelberg police made an appearance and asked them to disperse. “When we got there, we sang songs that were close to our hearts and spoke about the current situation then. The same officers that were supposed
This story continues inside... FIND JOY IN YOUR OWN HEARTS
NO TARIFFS INCREASE FOR EKURHULENI SHARE YOUR STORY OR PLACE YOUR ADVERT, KINDLY CONTACT US 078-221-8002 (Whatsapp incl) mapepezacn@gmail.com wwww.mapepeza.online