PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A strong presence of anti-gender-based violence (GBV) activists gathered outside the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 8 September in solidarity with the family of the murdered Somikazi Gijana (39), as the opposed bail application of the accused continues.
Community members and representatives from Shield GBV Response & Safeguarding Consultancy NPC, Green Hearts, Kwanokuthula Crime Prevention, Bitou Men’s Forum, Bitou Women’s Forum and the ANC Women’s League formed part of the peaceful gathering.
The action followed a petition process initiated after Gijana’s eldest sister, Lungiswa Menze, appealed for community support. The gathering carried messages of justice, dignity, accountability and compassion.
Shield founder Victoria Rowe said the purpose was not to interfere with the court process, but to show affected families that they are not forgotten.
“Gender-based violence remains a serious crisis affecting communities across South Africa,” she said, adding that collaboration and support are needed to create safer communities.
Gijana was admitted to hospital on 3 April after allegedly being assaulted and died on 5 April. The suspect was arrested on 17 April and remains in custody.
The case has been postponed several times. The accused was remanded in custody on Tuesday, with the continuation of the opposed bail application postponed to 22 September.
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