S. African president laments rising gender-based violence amid COVID-19 pandemic

CAPE TOWN - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday lamented rising gender-based violence at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has left all South Africans "feeling vulnerable and uncertain."

Over the past few weeks, no fewer than 21 women and children have been murdered, Ramaphosa said in a televised speech to the nation.

"It is deeply disturbing that the spike in crimes against women and children has coincided with the easing of the coronavirus lockdown," said the president.

During the lockdown period, the government has ensured that survivors of gender-based violence have access to support and services, including a special hotline and shelters, according to Ramaphosa.

The president also commended the South African Police Service for their excellent work in arresting almost all of the alleged perpetrators.

"As these suspects make bail applications this week, I have the utmost confidence that our courts will send the strongest of signals that such violence has no place in society," said Ramaphosa.

He urged lawmakers in parliament to process legislative amendments for greater protection for women against domestic or sexual violence.

"I want to assure the women and children of South Africa that our criminal justice system will remain focused on gender-based violence cases and that we can expect more arrests and more prosecutions against perpetrators to follow," said the president.