Siphelele Nketo
“IGNORING red flags in a toxic relationship was what led Pinkie Cira (22) becoming another victim of gender-based violence in Kokstad”. This was according to Masabatha Mofokeng, a woman who lived with Cira in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. Cira was found dead in the early hours on Monday, October 26, at a house in the Bhongweni Township.
Her body was bruised. Mofokeng described Cira’s relationship with her boyfriend as the most toxic with regular fights and threats. She said Cira was told numerous times to stay away from the relationship, but she stayed even though it was life threatening.
“Cira and her boyfriend had been fighting over small things. They had been told to stop fighting or instead separate. But that never happened until the worst occurred,” said Mofokeng, who added that if Cira had listened to the warnings, she would still be alive. She warned women across South Africa to stop ignoring signs of abuse in their relationships, saying that most people have anger problems. Cira’s father Samson said the incident has brought devastation and trauma to his family. He said he has been hearing about stories of GBV victims being killed by their partners, not knowing that his daughter would be a victim too.
Police confirmed the incident and said that the body of the victim was discovered by a neighbour. It was reported that the victim’s boyfriend attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by the police. SAPS spokesperson Mosa Hlaki said the matter remains under police investigation, adding that the suspect is in police custody.
“The motive for the killing is not yet known as police continue with their investigations,” said Hlaki.
Cira leaves behind her child (4) and will be laid to rest at her home in Ncambele, Umzimkhulu. The date for the funeral will be announced at a later stage.
