Brenda’s death: a reminder of violence against women
The incident happened about 7pm on 25 March 2016 (Good Friday).
The inhumane killing of a number of women across the country has been a hot and concerning topic lately.
What makes this issue even more devastating is the fear that these senseless killings have left in many women, who have posed the question “Am I next?” on social media.
As the matter remains in the spotlight, with civilians calling for harsher punishment for the perpetrators, BCI Security reminded the residents of a local tragedy that took place in 2016, when an employee of Checkers Little Falls, Brenda Rwando, was raped and killed at the intersection of Hendrik Potgieter and Cascades Roads.
Read the article here:
https://roodepoortnorthsider.co.za/218786/breaking-news-woman-raped-and-murdered-found-on-good-friday/
Brenda’s half-naked body was found by a BCI Security officer a day after the incident. The incident happened at about 7pm on 25 March, 2016 (Good Friday).
“The area back then was mostly open veld and all that existed was the Volvo dealership. People heard the woman screaming the previous night and we were informed of this the next morning. Our reaction officer went out to inspect the area and came across the lifeless body of Brenda,” Rudi Holtzhausen, the operations manager at BCI Security recalled.
A big red cross, imprinted with residents’ hand prints to show their support against gender-based violence, was erected at the intersection in loving memory of Brenda. The site is adorned with flowers and kept tidy by the residents.
As the country is on its knees with this scourge, Rudi provided some tips for women to protect themselves.
“A woman is someone’s wife, mother, sister, daughter and granny, and at BCI Security we hold women dear to our hearts. Violence against women is a major problem in South Africa. Women of all ages fall prey to sexual and physical violence at the hands of men on a daily basis,” he said.
He added that women needed to use caution in this day and age because men who abuse women will take advantage of them when they least expect it. He then provided the following tips:
* When you are out at night, make sure that you are in a group of trusted friends.
* Make sure to wear appropriate clothing.
* Always make sure to let a loved one know where you will be going to.
* Don’t take opened drinks from anyone at a club or party.
* Keep to a curfew and travel home with someone that you trust.
