KEY POINTS
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The NPA may drop a murder charge against a mother who allegedly killed her daughter’s rapist, pending investigation into whether her actions constituted defense.
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Public support has surged, with Eastern Cape MEC Bukiwe Fanta advocating for compassion and highlighting South Africa’s ongoing gender-based violence crisis.
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The case mirrors a 2017 incident in which a mother acted to stop her daughter’s assault, prompting broader reflection on justice, self-defense, and systemic protections.
A 44-year-old woman from Lady Frere, Eastern Cape, who is facing a murder charge for allegedly killing the man accused of raping her disabled daughter, may soon see the charges dropped.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it is reviewing the case and considering whether the woman acted in defense of her child, which could lead to the withdrawal of charges.
The incident has sparked widespread public support, including backing from Eastern Cape social development MEC Bukiwe Fanta. “This was clearly a desperate attempt by a mother to protect her child from a violent predator,” Fanta said, adding that she would personally accompany the woman to court and has written a formal letter to the NPA requesting the case be reviewed with compassion.
The case has stirred national debate, drawing attention once again to South Africa’s troubling rate of gender-based violence and sexual abuse, particularly involving vulnerable individuals such as children and people with disabilities.
NPA considers defense argument in murder case
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed that the matter has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further investigation. “If it is proven that the mother acted to defend her daughter, we will consider it as a case of defense,” he stated. He also acknowledged the public attention and Fanta’s statement, though the NPA is still awaiting formal correspondence from her office.
According to Sowetanlive, the mother arrived at the home of the alleged rapist, a 65-year-old man, and found him and her daughter dressing. The daughter, who is reportedly disabled, gestured to her private area when asked what had happened.
The mother allegedly reacted by attacking the man, and was later joined by members of the community.
The man was beaten to death, and the woman was arrested and charged with murder. She has since been released on R500 bail.
Fanta emphasized the need to view the case in the broader context of justice for survivors. “Any parent faced with such a traumatic situation would likely act in a similar manner,” she stated. “We must ensure that our legal system protects the vulnerable, not punishes those who act to shield them.”
This is not the first time such a case has surfaced. In 2017, a woman dubbed “Lion Mama” killed one of three men she found raping her daughter and injured the others. After an outpouring of public support, the NPA dropped the murder and attempted murder charges against her, citing the circumstances of her actions.
This latest case renews discussions around how the justice system addresses vigilante justice, especially when tied to acts of defense in the face of gender-based violence. Rights advocates argue that the state must do more to prevent such violence from occurring in the first place, while also showing sensitivity when victims or their families are forced to act in moments of crisis.
