The Justice system in SD has failed the ordinary women

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, TIMES OF SWAZILAND

Sir,

In 2001, about 36 women and children were killed and their bodies were found in a decomposed state in various parts of the country, including Eagle’s Nest farm, Macetjeni and other places. On that same year the suspect was arrested. However, his trial is still ongoing and has been subject to several adjournments.

Almost a decade later, the families of the victims are still grieving for their loved ones and their remains have not been buried yet because the case is still pending.
An analysis on the victims of the alleged serial killer reveals that most of them were bread winners who were looking for greener pastures or jobs to provide for their families.

Some were unemployed graduates from poor families with huge responsibilities and some were single parents with a number of children, and some were school leavers who were under pressure from their families to secure employment and some were in abusive relationship and unemployed and that is a worse situation to be as a woman.

Exploitation

These women were all vulnerable to economic exploitation, gender based violence and any other abusive prospects for a better life. Further, the reports on the killings stated that the women were raped and gravely tortured before they were murdered.

Ironically, the background of the victims (women) is similar in that they were all vulnerable, looking for a job or better life. That is evidenced by that he did not randomly pick his prey but he was very strategic and he knew how to entice the target group.

The case under review raises some critical issues:

1. Trial of Gender Based Violence Cases in particular those involving women. It would seem that such cases have a tendency of being dragged in court with no trial at all or series of postponements and in some cases the alleged perpetrators are reinstated at work without trials.

2. The protection of women in Swaziland in general is a cause for concern. How can a small country like Swaziland have about 36 women killed whilst the world watches in deafening silence.

3. The direct co-relation between GBV and unemployment or poverty. Research shows that poor socio- economic status result in women being more vulnerable to exploitation and any form of abuse.

Swaziland ratified the Convention on Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and is also a party to the African and SADC protocols on women‘s rights.

The constitution of Swaziland provides for equality of all persons before and under the spheres of law. However, the manner in which this case has been handled leaves a lot to be desired.

THEREFORE: we call upon the Ministry of Justice and the Courts of Swaziland to a speedy trial and closure of the case to allow the victims and the affected parties to put an end to the trauma and begin the healing process.

Hleli Luhlanga

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