PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Three suspects, one aged 28 and two aged 29, have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a 35-year-old woman in Kwanokuthula on 27 April.
The victim has been identified as Claudine Saaiman, originally from Bracken Hill in Knysna, who has been living in Kwanokuthula for the past 10 years.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies confirmed that the three accused made their first court appearance in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court on Monday 5 May.
Remanded
The three were arrested at Kwanokuthula on Friday 2 May, each on a murder charge.
"They were all remanded in custody and the matter was postponed to 9 May for a formal bail application," said Spies.
A group of demonstrators from the Bitou Women's Forum gathered at the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court on Monday 5 May to protest against gender-based violence (GBV).
Vuyokazi Kitsi, chairperson of the forum, said there was no justification for GBV, saying there was a "pandemic" of GBV in the greater Plettenberg Bay area.
"We won't be silenced until justice is served," she said.
'Deeply disturbed'
Bitou mayor Jessica Kamkam, in her monthly address to the Bitou Council on 30 April, said she was "deeply disturbed" by the recent incidents of GBV.
"At the end of April, the body of a woman was found in Kransbos and another in Kwanokuthula this past Sunday.
"These are tragic reminders of the ongoing violence faced by women in our society - and we mourn with the affected families. Incidents of violent crimes also occurred in other areas within Bitou.
"Violent crime, in general, remains a serious concern in our communities, robbing families of peace and stability."
'Play a part'
Kamkam said that, as leaders, the Bitou council stands united in condemning all forms of violence.
"We continue to work with SAPS, community policing forums, and civil society to build safer communities.
"Still, this fight requires everyone within our communities to play a part - in speaking out, protecting one another, and shifting the culture that allows such violence to exist," she said.
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