By: Zethu Gweva
Several groups such as #WeStandWithZusiphe have been created on social media in support of Zusiphe Mtati, 19, who stabbed her boyfriend alleged to have been a rapist 16 times.
This is after the deceased alleged forced himself on Mtati and left her with a fractured arm and swollen face. While fighting for her aggressor off, she managed to grab a knife and stabbed him 16 times.
According to a member of the group who wanted to remain Anonymous, if Mtati didn’t kill the man who almost raped her she would be dead. She fought for her life while some women died in the hands of their rapists.
“I fully support Mtati, she must not be charged, it was self-defence. We should be thanking her instead of having charged,” said Anonymous.
She added that a six-year-old girl was recently buried at Mdantsane after she was raped and murdered. The little girl could not fight for herself, Mtati fought all the little girls and women who could not fight for themselves.
“I hope all women learn from Zusiphe and have the same strength she had to save her life,” she said.
Another member of the group Anele Bhatyi said that she feels sorry for Mtati as she has to live with doubt trauma of killing a person and being almost raped. She recommended that she goes for counselling.
“Although she fought for her life, she is still traumatized, she needs emotional support as this will affect her in the long run as there are people who are charging at her for killing a man that almost killed her,” said Bhatyi.
Captain Khaya Tonjeni conveyed the 19-year-old suspect appeared in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court for alleged murder on November 2, 2020.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident form part of the investigation. Furthermore, the matter is subjudice,” said Tonjeni.