THE RISING CASE OF GBV AND FEMICIDE
The serenity of Eswatini's landscapes belies a grim reality: a surge in gender-based violence (GBV) that casts a long shadow over the nation. A few months ago the Times of Eswatini reported that a staggering 41,312 GBV cases were reported in just four years, painting a stark picture of the crisis.
While violence against women remains deeply entrenched, a disturbing trend is emerging; the rise of violence against men, exemplified by the unsettling practice of "kuputjutwa emasendze" (the squeezing of testicles).
This alarming phenomenon underscores the complexities of GBV in Eswatini, forcing us to confront its roots and the desperate measures some feel compelled to take. The tragic case of Nondumiso Vilakati, as reported by The Times of Eswatini on October 5th, 2024, epitomizes the devastating consequences of inaction and systemic failures. Vilakati, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, was murdered by her ex-lover after reporting a rape to the Manzini police station.
Her pleas for help were dismissed, her fears ignored, simply because the perpetrator was her ex-lover. Vilakati's story lays bare the deep-seated flaws within the Royal Eswatini Police Service, where a lack of sensitivity, inadequate training, and a dismissive attitude towards GBV victims can have fatal consequences.
As the Human Rights Watch report highlights, these issues are compounded by inadequate legal frameworks, poor implementation of existing laws, and persistent discrimination against women in the justice system. It is against this backdrop of fear and frustration that the rise of "kuputjutwa emasendze" must be understood.
Women, feeling vulnerable and unprotected, are resorting to desperate measures. In a moment of terror, she sees no other option but to inflict pain, to fight back with whatever means necessary. One women rights activist described "Kuputjutwa emasendze" as a desperate act of self-defense, a visceral expression of the anger and fear that have been simmering beneath the surface.
However, as community strategist and activist Nelisiwe Dlamini wisely points out, this is not a trend to be celebrated. "One shouldn't celebrate this emerging trend as a way of women avenging themselves on men," she cautions. "This is very wrong from all aspects. GBV is wrong no matter who is doing it." Dlamini's words serve as a powerful reminder that violence begets violence, and that true justice cannot be achieved through retribution.
Indeed, "kuputjutwa emasendze," while born out of desperation, is not a solution. It perpetuates a cycle of violence, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator. It highlights the urgent need for systemic change, for a justice system that protects and empowers victims, rather than leaving them to fend for themselves.
As Dlamini emphasizes, "men and women should always find ways to solve their problems without violence because that way never ends well. One dies and family is damaged." Her words resonate with the need for peaceful conflict resolution, for communication and understanding to replace aggression and pain.
"The tragic death of Vilakati must be a turning point. It is a wake-up call, a demand for action. The Royal Eswatini Police Service must be held accountable for its failures. A specialized unit for gender-based violence, staffed by trained and compassionate professionals, is urgently needed. This unit must be equipped to handle cases of sexual assault with sensitivity and urgency, ensuring that victims receive the support and protection they deserve. We cannot allow these horrific crimes to continue," remarked Sindisiwe Simelane, a gender activist and scholar. We cannot stand by and watch as women are forced to take the law into their own hands.
The time for change is now. Let Nondumiso's story be a catalyst for a safer, more just Eswatini, where all individuals are free from the fear of violence and where, as Dlamini eloquently puts it, people can "be with someone you can still hold and rub a hand yet angry with them." Let us strive for a future where love and compassion prevail over anger and violence.