TAUNG TRIPLE MURDER SHOCK, MEC CALLS FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE

By Petrus Siko

• As South Africa approaches the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, North West Social Development MEC Basetsana Sussana Dantjie has called on abusive men to seek professional help to manage anger and emotional challenges.
• Her appeal follows a tragic familicide in Taung, where a man allegedly killed his parents and sister with a knobkerrie.
• The department is addressing gender-based violence by promoting positive masculinity, creating safe spaces for men to express emotions, and providing psychosocial support to affected families.

As the country prepares to mark the annual observance of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, North West Social Development MEC Basetsana Sussana Dantjie has urged men who abuse women to seek professional help to address their anger and other social issues.  

MEC Dantjie’s appeal follows a recent tragic incident in Shaleng, near Taung, where a 33-year-old man allegedly killed his parents and sister with a knobkerrie. It is reported that the family was sitting inside their shack around a coffee table when the suspect entered and fatally struck his father, mother, and sister on their heads before fleeing the scene.  

The suspect was later arrested and remanded in custody by the Kgomotso Periodical Court until 25 November 2024. This date coincides with the national launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign at Rustenburg Civic Centre under the theme: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children”. The theme highlights the need to address the root causes of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), promote positive masculinity, and advance gender equity.  

“It is shocking and baffling to learn that a man had the guts to kill his own family members. This is painful and pathetic. It is time for our society to move away from the notion that men don’t cry and instead encourage them to express their emotions freely and talk about their feelings. Bottling up problems is not helping anyone,” Dantjie said on Wednesday.  

She urged men to utilise services provided by social workers at departmental service points, including access to psychologists. “We have created spaces in men-led organisations where men and boys can talk about their struggles without fear of being judged,” Dantjie said.  

Additionally, her department has introduced safe spaces for men, such as The Lounge in community care centres, where men and boys can openly share their problems and receive support.  

Meanwhile, Dantjie has dispatched social workers to compile a home circumstance report and provide psychosocial support to the bereaved family. Other stakeholders, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), are collaborating with the Department of Social Development to ensure the family receives a dignified send-off.