Siphelele Nketo
KOKSTAD runners and non-runners have taken part in a 5km walk on Thursday, September 24, wearing black to remember the lives lost to gender-based violence and to show support to families of the victims.
The ceremony, beginning at 6am, started with a candlelight service to give hope, and to call for peace and justice for all victims. The Kokstad area has been gripped with incidents of missing children and murders this year. Three children were reported missing, including Lathitha Mtolo (7), who disappeared on February 26. KZN police recently announced a R50 000 reward for information that may assist in locating Lathitha.
Banele Mshubi (3) was reported missing in January and SAPS also issued a R50 000 reward for anyone who can assist in discovering his remains. On July 12, Ndalo Jona (7) was reported missing and his body was found on July 30 along the road next to Mount Currie Secondary School.
On February 11, a woman’s body was found in the Bhurhulu River. Another victim was Okuhle Wattson Nkosiyaphantsi (27) whose body was found on August 30 next to the Mzintlava River. Nomthandazo Magawana (40) was found dead in her house on September 2. A woman that still remains missing is Noxolo Nokokobo (32).
All these incidents have led Kodwa Mayambela, a Kokstad runner, to organise the walk, saying that these incidents have turned Kokstad into a dangerous area where communities live in fear. She said that organising the walk was intended to give hope to families whose relatives remain missing, and also as a calling for justice for all victims. She further said the walk was to raise awareness on safety.
“We ran, we walked, we remembered, and most importantly, we stood together for peace, safety and the value of every life. People need to protect each other, whether from home, work or on the streets,” she said.
She appreciated the visibility of private security companies and traffic cops on the street corners especially in dark hours where most runners become victims of robberies.
“I am part of the Kokstad runners. It is not safe to run alone during dark hours. But to see police on the streets gives us some relief,” she added. She raised concerns about unrepaired streetlights, saying that they pose a danger to the community: “People who often walk or run in the evening or early hours feel unsafe because it is dark.”
