Activist against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and founder of the Lydia Sono Foundation, Lydia Sono, says she is concerned about the rise in GBVF cases in Nkomazi.

This followed a number of cases recently reported to the Tonga Police Station.

With the 16 Days of Activism campaigns kicking off in a few weeks, Sono says the number of women reporting cases of GBV is alarming. “I have worked with a number of women and children through the foundation, and what is happening in Nkomazi lately is very worrying. We help victims navigate their healing journey and also support them during court appearances. I was truly shocked when I was called to a case in KaMhlushwa where a woman had been assaulted in the comfort of her home in the presence of her two children. She was seriously hit on the head with a hoe and is currently fighting for her life in the hospital,” Sono said.

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Sono further referred to several other cases that are currently on the docket of the Tonga Magistrate’s Court.

“We recently heard about an incident where a man allegedly raped three of his own children. As if that wasn’t enough to raise alarm bells, another case has come to light in which a man also raped his own six-year-old child. What is even sadder about these incidents is that some of the victims endure this to the point of becoming pregnant and giving birth to children from their own fathers,” she added.

Sono also called on family members to stop treating criminal behavior as a private family matter. “Nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing these cases withdrawn solely because people insist they be discussed within families. I have also covered topics that we fully support and been told we should back off because the family has decided to deal with the issue from within. When it comes to crime, nothing should be treated as a family matter. These criminals should be in prison where they belong, not with their families.

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The Lydia Sono Foundation will embark on increased awareness during the 16 Days of Activism period. “I am appealing to any department or company willing to join us on this journey. We are ready to visit any school or organization to talk about this pandemic. Our main constraint at the moment is the budget, and we are appealing to anyone who can help us to come forward. We are fighting a good fight and it is best fought united as a community.