Woman living in fear as ex-partner ignores court order

Woman living in fear as ex-partner ignores court order! A woman from Phola, near Ogies in Mpumalanga, is living in fear as her former partner continues to harass and threaten her, despite a restraining order issued against him in March last year.

Relationship Ends, Harassment Begins

Gugu Nkuna’s troubles began in early 2023 after she ended her relationship with the man. According to Nkuna, her ex-partner refused to accept the breakup, escalating to stalking and harassment.

“Since we separated, this man has been coming unannounced to intimidate me,” she said. “He used to show up at my house three times a week, often late at night, and park his car at my gate. I reported this to the police, but no action was taken.”

Woman living in fear

Nkuna also alleged that her ex-partner has a history of violence, including stabbing her with a screwdriver and assaulting her multiple times.

Restraining Order Ignored

Nkuna secured a court-issued protection order on March 25, 2023, following an incident where her ex-partner violated the order and assaulted her. The man was arrested and spent a week in jail before being released.

However, his harassment resumed after his release. “Since November 16, he has been parking his car outside my house every night. Recently, he switched to coming during the day, staying for 30 minutes before driving off and repeating the act,” Nkuna said.

She also recounted a terrifying incident on December 23, when the man entered her house, locked the door, and threatened to kill her and her daughter.

Legal and Police Response

Nkuna has enlisted legal representation to compel the police to act. Her lawyer, Mabu Marweshe, confirmed he is working on the case.

“We confirm that we have taken instruction on this matter and are currently considering legal action. This situation is extremely serious and dangerous. Issues related to gender-based violence are not to be taken lightly, and we intend on holding all parties involved fully responsible,” Marweshe said.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdluli assured that the matter is being investigated. “We take gender-based violence issues very seriously. While the investigation is ongoing, we urge Nkuna to report the matter to the station commander for immediate assistance,” Mdluli said.

Impact on Family and Custody

The ongoing harassment has had devastating consequences for Nkuna’s family. She revealed that her ex-partner successfully gained custody of their three children after social workers and the court determined that the children had witnessed domestic violence during the couple’s relationship.

Nkuna expressed concern about the lack of protection and accountability, particularly in light of the violence she has endured.

Calls for Action from Advocacy Groups

Advocacy groups have weighed in, urging Nkuna to escalate her complaints if police inaction persists.

Sidwell Sehoana, spokesperson for Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training, encouraged Nkuna to approach the station commander and, if necessary, return to the court that issued the protection order.

“If the station commander does not assist, she must inform the court that the police are not doing their job and that her life is in danger. The court will surely provide a way forward,” Sehoana said.

Advocate Brenda Madumise-Pajibo, director of the feminist organization Wise4Afrika, advised Nkuna to seek support from local advocacy groups specializing in gender-based violence cases. “She can also escalate the matter by reporting it to the provincial commissioner,” Madumise-Pajibo added.

Rising Concerns About Gender-Based Violence

Nkuna’s case highlights the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, where victims often struggle to access adequate protection and justice. The incident has reignited calls for police accountability and improved mechanisms to safeguard victims of abuse.

As Nkuna continues to live in fear, her legal team and advocacy organizations remain committed to ensuring her safety and holding the responsible parties accountable. This case serves as a reminder of the urgent need for systemic change to protect women and children from GBV and its devastating consequences.