POWA members were again picketing at Westonaria Magistrate Court on the bail application of the accused in Zestah September’s case, a victim of intimate partner violence who was brutally murdered by her partner.

The decision of the court to deny the accused bail on the basis that the accused is suicidal and poses a threat to himself and community. The court sees a likelihood that he may not attend trial or he might commit a successful suicide if released. It was also mentioned by the court that the involvement of community members and civil society organisations like POWA shows how angry people are about this case and if ever he is released they would act out in revenge.

The court’s decision resonate with POWA is advocating for regarding bail for cases of domestic violence. POWA advocates for denial of bail because of the nature of the offence. The reasoning for this is in most cases the accused is always known to the family of the victim therefore by granting him bail, the family members might act in anger. Out of frustration they might “take the law in their own hands” by action in revenge, or commit other offences that could be prevented by keeping the accused in custody until trial. Denying him bail also prevents the likelihood of him interfering with the state witnesses who are usually the family members and friends of the victim that are known to him, says POWA Legal Manager Palesa Mpapa.

Now more than ever we are advocating for a stronger sentence to be passed by High Court in order to deter potential perpetrators of domestic violence. The statistics are continually alarming and the courts have not yet passed strong sanctions that sends a message across says Palesa Mpapa.

POWA is calling for strong action when dealing with perpetrators of Violence against Women & Children.

For more information kindly contact POWA at (011) 642 4345 he might commit a successful suicide if released. It was also mentioned by the court that the involvement of community members and civil society organisations like POWA shows how angry people are about this case and if ever he is released they would act out in revenge.