Minister Fritz condemns rape and murder of 17-year-old woman

PRESS RELEASE BY ALBERT FRITZ

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF COMMUNITY SAFETY

Date: 22 June 2020

Release: immediately

Minister Fritz condemns rape and murder of 17-year-old woman, welcomes arrest of suspect

The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, condemns in the strongest terms the reported rape and murder of 17-year-old women, Amahle Quku, from Philippi and welcomes the arrest of a male suspect in his twenties.

Quku’s body was found on Saturday morning in Browns Farm, Philippi. She had been stripped of her clothes and stones were found next to her bruised body.

Minister Fritz said, “According to SAPS, the circumstances of Quku’s death, including the cause of death, are being investigated by the Nyanga police station. The investigation thus far has led to the arrest of a male suspect in his twenties, who has been detained for questioning. I call on SAPS to leave no stone unturned in their investigation and ensure that their investigation leads to the conviction of the guilty party.”

Minister Fritz added, “No parent should have to bury their child. Quku’s death was cruel and needless. Femicide and Gender Based Violence (GBV) is at a crisis level in our province and country. GBV has absolutely no place in our society. I condemn these acts in strongest terms.”

Minister Fritz continued, “I have conveyed my sympathies to Quku’s family and will monitor the case closely through the court watching brief unit. I am arranging psycho-social services, through the Department of Social Development, for the family to help them cope during this difficult time.”

Minister Fritz is establishing the following programmes to create awareness of and address the prevalence of GBV:

1. Create a guide and disseminate information on how to get a protection order;
2. Appoint a full-time official within Court Watching Brief Unit to monitor GBV and domestic violence related cases;
3. Establish a campaign to increase volunteers at victim support rooms and investigate stipends to incentivize volunteers; and
4. Provide continuous training of SAPS officials in the Domestic Violence Act.

Minister Fritz said, “Anyone with any information which could lead to the arrest of the perpetrator/s should immediately report such either to their local SAPS or by calling 08600 10111. Each of us has a right to equality and dignity, and a duty to stand up to and report such transgressions.”

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