Rustenburg – The murder of Rethabile Hariet Mosime, allegedly by her boyfriend in the North West, has put the spotlight on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Just two days after Youth Day, 23-year-old Rethabile was stabbed multiple times, allegedly by her live-in boyfriend, who was reportedly enraged by her decision to break up with him.
The violent incident occurred in the afternoon on Thursday, 18 June 2026, at their residence in Mabalane Street in GG Section, Tlhabane, near Rustenburg.
Commenting on the GBVF murder, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) Provincial Convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, stated: ”Men must realise that they do not own women that they are involved with”.
Pastor Kgwele added: “They should accept their inalienable right to end relationships that are toxic, threaten their safety, and their very existence.
“Those struggling with accepting this eventuality must seek urgent professional help instead of taking matters into their own hands.”
The MRM also pointed to the brutal murder of a 39-year-old mother of two, Masego Mosweu.
The assistant teacher, who was murdered a week ago, allegedly by her husband of 18 years, will be buried this morning at Dithakong village cemetery outside Mahikeng.
The MRM noted that South Africa’s GBVF crisis continues seemingly unabated.
According to the GBVF Response Fund, more than 5 500 women were murdered between April 2023 and March 2024.
“There is no justification for this level of persistent senseless violence targeted at women who happen to be the most vulnerable in society,” said Pastor Kgwele.
“The extent to which toxic masculinity accounts for the high prevalence of GBVF incidents calls for urgent intervention, as this has reached an unacceptable proportion.”
Pastor Kgwele called on the criminal justice system to deliver justice for GBVF victims and not grant bail to perpetrators, adding that “stiffer sentences will restore public confidence in law enforcement, prosecution, and the judiciary as well as serve as a deterrent”.
