‘We were shot at’: Rachel Kolisi shares alarming GBV experience

Rachel Kolisi, the former wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, has reacted to the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) incidents in South Africa, particularly the eight women who were murdered in the Kempton Park area.

Like many public profiles, Rachel has used her platform to bring awareness to the femicide crisis and call for action.

RACHEL KOLISI REACTS TO KEMPTON PARK MURDERS

In an Instagram post, Rachel Kolisi reacted to the news that the bodies of eight women who had been murdered and sexually assaulted in and around Kempton Park had been discovered in recent weeks.

The discovery and ongoing police investigation have sent shockwaves throughout the country, leading to a public address by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The president’s omission that it was a GBV endemic was not lost on many South Africans.

“Let’s just be clear. It’s femicide”, Rachel shared.

The former Springbok WAG and mother of two continued: “I feel sick. Exhausted. 

“We’re voting on the 4th November. At this point, I’ll vote for any party that is actively doing something to address the femicide”.

Both Siya and Rachel Kolisi have used their platforms, particularly under the Kolisi Foundation to fight against GBV

In another post, the philanthropist revealed her public protest experience after the horrific murder and rape of Uyinene Mrwetyana in 2019.

She shared: “I remember the president coming to address us with promises and then being told to disperse. When we refused, we were shot at.

“This was 7 years ago. Since then, I dedicated much of my work to the GBV fight. And for the non profits doing the work the government is responsible for it’s so hard, specially because of the lack of funding and general support.

Calling for unity, she added: “I know it feels so so heavy for us. Let’s use this as an opportunity to support those who fight this fight even when it’s not making headlines”.

WHAT POLICE HAVE CONFIRMED ABOUT GBV CASES

Rachel Kolisi’s GBV awareness post comes as police have made new, alarming updates on the Kempton Park murders.

Here is what is confirmed…

• Eight women’s bodies have been found in and around the Kempton Park area, in the Ekhuruleni district on Johannesburg’s East Rand, over the past few weeks.
• Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was identified as one of the deceased women. She had gone missing after leaving home for an afternoon run on Wednesday, 9 September.
• Police have identified similarities between the cases. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said preliminary information indicated “concerning similarities” in the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
• Several of the women were found partially clothed and with visible bruising. 
• The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, has been identified, although the police have not publicly shared her identity. Police have appealed to families of missing women to come forward, with unidentified bodies still at the Germiston government mortuary.
• SAPS has established a multidisciplinary task team to investigate the cases and determine whether they are connected.
• Police have NOT confirmed that a serial killer is responsible. Investigators are still determining whether the deaths are connected and whether there is one perpetrator or more than one.
• Police have warned women in Kempton Park, particularly Rhodesfield, to exercise extreme caution, including when walking or running alone in isolated areas.
• Police have also raised concerns about around 10 dating-app/social-media cases in Kempton Park, but they have not said these cases are connected to the women’s deaths.
• The SAPS plan to secure the Kempton Park in a “lockdown”.
• The Police ministry is offering a R400 000 reward to the public for information that could lead to arrests.