Gas Motor Show incident highlights the need for action against GBV
Unchecked violence
The image shows a man, on the right, assaulting a woman at the Gas Motor Show.
Image: Video screengrab
THE gender-based violence (GBV) incident, which took place during the recent Gas Motor Show in Durban, is both appalling and disturbing. What was intended to be a high-profile event, celebrating automotive culture, has now become a chilling reminder of the pervasive and unchecked violence that women continue to face in our country.
Footage and eyewitness accounts of the brutal assault - which occurred in full view of the public - have sparked national outrage, and rightly so. Even more disturbing, however, is the inaction of on-site security and South African Police Service (SAPS) members, who failed to intervene decisively to stop the assault or apprehend the perpetrator in real-time. Such passivity in the face of a blatant act of violence raises serious questions about the readiness and willingness of law enforcement to respond to GBV in public spaces.
The DA has consistently called for the professionalisation of the SAPS and the implementation of a victim-centred approach to policing, both of which were glaringly absent during this incident. It is unconscionable that, in a country where GBV has been declared a national crisis, those tasked with protecting citizens could watch such an attack unfold without immediate response.
As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA calls on the organisers of the Gas Motor Show to take full accountability for their lack of preparedness, to publicly disclose security protocols that were in place and to explain why intervention was delayed or non-existent. Furthermore, we urge the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to investigate the conduct of the officers present.
South African women deserve better. Public events cannot be allowed to become unsafe spaces, where predators act without consequence. The DA stands with all GBV victims and survivors and will continue to fight for a society where women are safe, protected and treated with dignity – everywhere and at all times.
Riona Gokool, MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on Community Safety and Liaison
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.