The rise in violence against woman and children in South Africa saw hundreds of protesters, mostly men, march in the capital Pretoria to denounce the deed.
The group of protesters calling itself #NotInMyName, was launched following the recent murder of a 22 year old woman killed and burnt by her boyfriend, and the rape and murder of a three year old girl.
“The time to take collective responsibility for our shameful action is now,” said Kholofelo Masha, one of the protest organizers.
One of the protesters, Nicholas Mashidi is quoted saying “The number of deaths in the country has risen and its wrong for one to stay silent. We have to stand up as a man and say no to this killing and abuse of women and children.”
According to official figures, a woman is killed by someone she knows every eight hours somewhere in South Africa.
In the recent times, reports of rape and murder have dominated the headlines in South Africa and across the continent.
Themba Kalua, a representative of UN Women in South Africa said, “The issue of violence against and children and girls in South Africa cannot continue.”
While visiting parents of the 3 year old girl raped and killed, President Jacob Zuma said, “We as citizens of this country, must say enough is enough.”