CAPE TOWN - The Family of Sisipho Mayile, whose decomposed body was discovered in the bush near Camphill Bridge in Hermanus, was supported by the communityon Monday as they marched to the court to demand the case be prioritised.
Zwelihle residents and faith leaders participated in the march to Hermanus Magistrate’s Court to hand over a memorandum of demands to Provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile for the case to be prioritised.
Patekile was there to receive it. Mayile, a 21-year-old matric pupil at Qhayiya Secondary School went missing on January 14, seven days before her decomposed body was discovered.
Mayile’s stepfather Zukisa Fono said the family had been waiting patiently for a police report on the case.
“We need to let the police do their work but they should not relax because we want answers as the family of Sisipho Mayile so we can find closure.
“We don’t know what is taking the police this long to make an arrest but we hope that they are heading somewhere in relation to the case.
“I am glad that it has received this kind of attention because some cases don’t. I like the fact that it has united people from different areas.
“Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a serious issue and it needs to be attended to because it does not discriminate.
“It brings nothing but death,” said Fono. During the march, provincial legislature Speaker Masizole Mnqasela said he has been pleading with the community not to take law into their own hands.
Overstrand Executive Mayor, Annelie Rabie, said: “We would like to have a progress report on whether they have found anyone, because we believe previously that two people were arrested and released. Today’s march underscores again that no one is above the law. If it is a party or part of an organised crime activity, tell us so that we know what we are dealing with.”
Patekile urged the community to report GBV violence.
“I want to request all of us here do it, especially men. Men are the perpetrators of gender-based violence. I mean, the jails are filled with men. I have not seen women. Maybe they are, but they are a few.
“We as men need to have a discussion. We need men to go and talk as men,” said Patekile.
Anyone with information about the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 0860010111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
Cape Times