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A 44-year-old woman from the Eastern Cape, South Africa, who was accused of killing the man alleged to have raped her disabled daughter, has been acquitted of all charges.
She made a brief appearance at the Lady Frere Magistrate’s Court, located in the Emalahleni Local Municipality, on Monday, May 5, 2025.
The incident, which occurred in early April in Cacadu, led to her arrest and subsequent release on R500 bail. The case drew national attention and sparked widespread debate. Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, who attended the court proceedings alongside Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta, welcomed the decision made by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“While we acknowledge the independence of the judiciary and respect the legal processes that were followed, we commend the NPA for its sensitivity and careful consideration of the extreme circumstances that led to this tragic incident,” said Premier Mabuyane. “This decision reflects a compassionate understanding of the context and the instinctive protective actions taken by a mother in a moment of unimaginable trauma.”
The Premier noted that the case had deeply resonated across the province and the nation, highlighting the ongoing emotional and psychological impact of gender-based violence on families and communities.
“No parent should ever be forced into a position where they must physically intervene to protect their child from harm,” he added.
Mabuyane emphasized the urgent need to create safer communities where children can grow up without fear, and women are protected and supported.
“This is a call to all sectors—government, civil society, traditional leaders, and especially men in our communities—to take active responsibility in ending gender-based violence,” he said.
The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors of gender-based violence and their families. This includes providing trauma counseling and access to social welfare programs through the Department of Social Development and its partners.
