South African politician Bukiwe Fanta has called for the immediate dismissal of criminal charges against a mother who allegedly killed a man she found attempting to r*pe her disabled daughter.
The woman, from the Eastern Cape, is due to appear in court this week after reportedly beating a 65-year-old man to death during the assault. The incident has sparked widespread public outrage and reignited debate around self-defense, parental responsibility, and justice in cases involving gender-based violence.
In a statement, Fanta—who serves as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development in the Eastern Cape—urged authorities to consider the mother’s actions within the context of a desperate attempt to protect her child from harm.
“This mother acted in defense of her daughter during a horrific and traumatic situation,” Fanta said. “Any parent in such a position would likely do the same. This case is not just about one woman—it speaks to the broader crisis of violence against women and children in our society.”
The mother’s identity has been withheld to protect her family’s privacy. According to reports, she found the man allegedly assaulting her daughter and acted in the heat of the moment to stop the attack.
The case has drawn national attention, shedding light once again on South Africa’s dire gender-based violence statistics. According to recent data, a woman is killed by an intimate partner every three hours in the country, and thousands of children experience sexual abuse each year.
Fanta’s call to drop the charges aligns with growing public sentiment that the justice system must be more responsive and compassionate in cases involving self-defense, especially when vulnerable individuals are involved.
“Rather than punishing those who act to protect their families, we must ensure our legal system supports and empowers them,” she added. “This mother should be seen as someone who took a stand against a predator, not as a criminal.”
Advocates for women’s and children’s rights have echoed Fanta’s stance, emphasizing the psychological and emotional trauma experienced by victims and their families—trauma that must be considered in legal proceedings.
The incident has ignited a wave of support on social media, with many South Africans expressing solidarity with the mother and sharing their own stories of survival and resistance in the face of violence.
Fanta is now calling for a full review of the legal case, urging officials to approach the situation with compassion and a recognition of the societal issues at play.
“As a nation, we must prioritize the protection and well-being of our children,” she said. “Our justice system must reflect the values of empathy, understanding, and support for those who defend the vulnerable.”
As the case unfolds, it continues to highlight the urgent need for systemic reform in how South Africa addresses gender-based violence—and how it treats those who take desperate action to confront it.
