Social media is responding to the death of Asithandile ‘Kwasa’ Lugalo. The murder of Kwasa has triggered an outcry on social media. Calls have been made on social media platforms for Kwasa’s justice, who reportedly died after her ex-boyfriend stabbed her three times. The #JusticeForKwasa has been trending on Twitter and Facebook.
Mass media has reported on the 18th of August 2020 the violent assault of Asithandile ‘Kwasa’ Lugalo by her ex-boyfriend, Viwe Rhulumeni (22). Kwasa was studying Biology at Wits University. Dispatch Live reported that her uncle, Simo Lugalo, said his niece was stabbed in front of her 10-year-old and 20-year-old cousin. Simo continued and said that when this happened, his sister was still at work and she when she returned she saw her daughter covered in blood. Simo believed the wounds of Kwasa were too deep. He confirmed to DispatchLive that the doctors were unable to treat her because she has a fatal blow that killed some of her arteries.
According to Kamva Cwayita Rini, who is one of her friends, Kwasa tried to get out that toxic relationship as they have always encouraged her to do, but because of the masculine in men and the justice system that is forever failing now she is late. Also one of her close friends, Amzo Mbopha, said that Kwasa told him that she went to talk to Viwe’s family about his abusive behavior and the family advised her to stay in that relationship for her safety. He continued “Viwe’s family was aware of his abusive behavior, they asked Kwasa to stay in that relationship for her safety” this is according to Amzo. He concluded “I told her on the 18th of August to open a case thinking that the police will be useful, she said she went to the police station with her mother and she is no more. The justice system continues to fail us”
It is believed that Kwasa was an activist of the #AmINextMovement which began after the death of Uyinene Mrwetyana in August 2019. There was a post that was trending on Facebook a few days before the death of this young woman. The post was about how the abusers apologize to their victims, and she commented “I do all these things because I love you” apparently it is what the suspect used to say to her after physically abusing her, and she later commented “I was almost part of the stats of women killed by men”.
Kwasa’s death brought attention to the likes of Mbuyiseni Ndlozi who serves at the top of leadership structures of EFF and as the National Spokesperson for the party. Ndlozi tweeted on the 19th of August about how shattered he is on the news he received about the #AmINext activist and leader, Kwasa. The South African Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi, also shared her grievances on Twitter about the death of this young woman. According to Tunzi, Kwasa was a friend of her sister, she was a joy to her and her family and she later offered her condolences. Also, the MEC Siphokazi Luthuli visited the family of Asithandile to extend her heartfelt condolences.
TimesLive has shared how the family is devastated and is struggling to come to terms with the violent act that has taken place. “My 19-year-old cousin was stabbed three times by her ex-boyfriend and she passed away, because he couldn’t accept that the relationship is over. What is wrong men” this is according to one of her cousins who posted on Facebook. Most women on social media are frightened by these violent acts against women, they have shared their grievances and stated that the law is not on women’s side and that continues to be the problem. Most women on my Facebook account feel like the justice system is failing.
Charlene Beukes, the Director of the Wits Gender Equity Office, shared her heartfelt condolences to the late Kwasa’s family and friends. She said to the reporters of IOL that “The University condemns all forms of gender-based harm. The loss of a young life is one too many, our hearts and prayers are with her family, friends, and those who knew Asithandile. May she rest in peace”.
The community of Idutywa has taken the fight against gender-based violence to the streets. Most South Africans are demanding justice for Kwasa, others through social media, and others are on the streets. The community members of Idutywa came in numbers and called for the suspect not to be granted bail.
Capt. Khaya Tonjeni, the provincial police spokesperson confirmed to TimesLive that the suspect will be investigated for Kwasa’s murder. Eastern Cape provisional commissioner Lt-Gen Liziwe Ntshinga confirmed to the news that TimesLive reported and said that “the death of this young woman will not dampen the spirit of the police to fight women abuse in all its shapes and forms”
According to DispatchLive, the suspect reportedly overdosed himself with tablets to what it is believed to be an attempt to take his own life after murdering Kwasa. DispatchLive also confirmed that the suspect was under police surveillance at Butterworth Hospital after being admitted hours after Kwasa was reportedly stabbed. However, he was discharged the next day, 19th August.
DispatchLive has reported that the case against the suspect has been postponed for a formal bail application on 26th August 2020. According to the state, Rhulumeni is facing a schedule 6 offense because the alleged murder was planned. Rhulumeni told the court that he would look for his own lawyer to represent him.
Every person that physically abuses another person should be held accountable. It is time for the justice system to be useful to all South Africans. Women deserve the same freedom as men. In most cases, women are held responsible for being violated. We have seen women marching and demanding to be treated equally. #JusticeForKwasa #EnoughIsEnough #WomenAreTired.
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