The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) – an umbrella organisation supporting a network of over 100 gender-based violence (GBV) shelters across the country – expresses deep concern and sorrow over the tragic murder-suicide in Soweto involving a senior police officer, who allegedly took the lives of his intimate partner and her brother, before turning the weapon on himself.
Executive Head of the NSMSA, Dr. Zubeda Dangor says, “South Africa is clearly in the grip of a national emergency where intimate partner violence is not only rampant but is also being perpetrated by the very individuals entrusted with upholding the law. It is extremely worrying that a serving police captain, who is supposed to lead in the protection of women, becomes the very perpetrator of such brutality.”
This devastating incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in how domestic violence cases, especially those involving law enforcement officers, are handled in South Africa. Despite there not being official statistics of femicide by intimate partners in the police service, there has been an increasing number of instances in the last two years where police officers were involved in intimate partner killings.
“This must be addressed. Femicide by a law enforcer should be recorded as such, not only for the public to be aware of where the dangers are but for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to be aware of how many of their own members are perpetrators of GBV and femicide. The system continues to fail survivors of gender-based violence. And when a serving police captain – a position of power – is implicated in such violence, it highlights a grave breakdown of trust and accountability within our law enforcement structures. Survivors of GBV should never have to fear the very institutions they turn to for safety.”
The NSMSA calls for urgent action from SAPS leadership to implement zero-tolerance policies against officers accused of domestic abuse, with immediate suspension pending investigations. They say that survivors must have faith that when they seek help, the system will protect them — not enable their abusers. “Where do victims of domestic violence go if it is a member of SAPS who is the abuser? Even those who do reach out to SAPS are further victimised and traumatised by the lack of assistance and sensitivity by police officers,” says the gender justice organisation.
NSMSA emphasizes that this incident is not isolated but part of a growing pattern where survivors of domestic violence are not adequately protected, even after seeking help. The presence of firearms in domestic settings, especially in the hands of abusive partners within law enforcement, poses a deadly risk. This incident points to a broader systemic issue – the lack of appropriate oversight and intervention in domestic violence cases involving police officers. Although official statistics on femicide committed by law enforcement personnel remain unavailable, a concerning number of such incidents have been reported in recent years.
NSMSA urges SAPS and other relevant authorities to immediately start implementing necessary reforms, including greater transparency and preventative measures. Specifically, NSMSA calls for:
- An immediate, independent investigation into the officer’s disciplinary and other records, including information about his access to a service weapon.
- Mandatory risk assessments and firearm access reviews for SAPS members involved in domestic violence cases.
- Expedited protection orders and secure housing options should any survivors be high risk.
- Psychosocial support and trauma counselling for the victims’ families and communities.
Dr. Dangor adds, “Gender-based violence is not a private matter – it is a national disaster that demands coordinated, survivor-focused action. We call on SAPS to adopt zero-tolerance policies toward officers facing domestic violence allegations, with immediate suspensions pending investigations. The justice system must send a clear message that the abuse of power will not be tolerated.”
“As South Africa mourns yet another senseless loss of life, we reiterate that gender-based violence is not a private matter – it is a societal emergency. NSMSA will continue to advocate for survivor-centric interventions that demand accountability from all sectors, including SAPS.”
Contact the National Shelter GBV Helpline by calling 0800 001 005, or send an SMS, WhatsApp or Please Call Me to 082 057 8600 | 082 058 2215 | 072 230 7147, or send an email to infohelpline@nationalsm.org.za. *Business are encouraged to include this information on their websites, intranets and social media.
Support the NSMSA’s Back-a-Buddy campaign to ensure its GBV Shelter Helpline continues its vital role – as a lifeline for victims/survivors and in ending GBV and femicide in South Africa. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
