Just as the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence is about to kick off, a University of Fort Hare student was gunned down — possibly by her boyfriend, who may then have turned the gun on himself.
Second-year bachelor of social sciences student Sivenathi Mazaleni, 19, and her 22-year-old boyfriend, whose name is known to the Dispatch, died at the scene.
Police spokesperson Lt-Col Siphokazi Mawisa said police were investigating two counts of murder after the fatal shooting at Sandile Location, Tsholomnqa, outside East London last Thursday.
“Police were alerted by the mother of the deceased and on arrival they found two bodies with gunshot wounds,” she said.
“The SAPS condemns crimes against women and children and will follow any leads to effect the arrest of suspects and ensure that justice is served.”
UFH spokesperson JP Roodt confirmed Mazaleni’s death.
“The incident occurred at her family residence in Tsholomnqa,” he said.
“The university understands Mazaleni was the victim of an intimate-partner crime that turned violent and resulted in her death.
“A senior university delegation will meet to console the family, and we are also providing psychosocial support to the family and students who knew and studied with her.”
UFH’s GBV Prevention Unit director, Nonhlanhla Moyo, lamented that the incident happened in the same week the annual 16 days campaign began.
Moyo said it happened as South Africa and the global community stood united in its commitment to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence.
“Our hearts go out to Sivenathi’s family, friends and the entire university community as we grapple with the profound sadness and shock brought about by this tragic loss.
“We recognise the profound impact that incidents of GBV have on our community, and we remain committed to addressing the issue with the utmost seriousness and urgency.
“The GBV Prevention Unit and Student Affairs will extend psychosocial support and court monitoring support to the affected family.”
Mazaleni was a member of the DA Student Organisation (Daso) and her colleagues lauded her work ethic.
She was part of the Dikeni campus’ Daso branch executive committee tasked with recruitment and campaign.
“We vehemently condemn femicide, a tragic and senseless act that takes lives and inflicts immeasurable pain,” Daso said.
“It is a stark reminder of the urgent need for societal change, where respect, equality and safety prevail for all.
“Our deepest sympathies go to Sivenathi’s family, and we stand united against such heinous acts.”
On Wednesday, Dikeni campus Daso branch chair Lubabalo Madolo said Mazaleni’s death was painful.
“It’s a big loss to us. She played a pivotal role in reviving Daso after it collapsed, helping Daso grow its membership ... she made a big contribution.
“We will miss her .”
Madolo said GBV was still a big problem faced by South Africa.
Madolo called on the government to step up its fight against GBV.
There should be more campaigning to sensitise youth about it.
“Many families have been left broken because of GBV,” Madolo said.
The family could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.
The Dispatch has previously detailed how the scourge of GBV has ravaged the country and left victims with emotional and physical scars — those who are lucky enough to survive to tell their stories.
Dr Lesley-Ann Foster, executive director of East London-based Masimanyane Women’s Rights International, is unimpressed by the prosecution rate of perpetrators of GBV.
More than 1,000 women and children were killed between July and September 2023 in South Africa.
Police minister Bheki Cele revealed recently that according to third-quarter statistics, 881 women and 293 children were murdered .
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