The Leighandre “Baby Lee” Jegels recreational park at the East London Esplanade is a popular spot especially for young people.
The remarkable young woman after whom the park was named was a world karate and SA boxing champion; an idol for young girls.
Baby Lee was only 25 when she died at the hands of her policeman boyfriend. A promising young life brought to a brutal end.
Her tragic story is one of the thousands of women who have been victims of domestic and gender-based violence.
In Mthatha, a mother of four has had no option but to go into hiding after a vicious attack earlier in 2025.
Every day, when she looks in the mirror, she sees the physical scars. She has lost some functionality of her hands and had a finger amputated.
In an interview with the Dispatch, the woman accused her partner of the attack.
Despite these efforts, women still face barriers to accessing justice, such as the Mthatha mother who alleged that she was sent from the police station to a clinic without a case being registered.
The Human Sciences Research Council, in a report released in 2024, found that that an estimated 3, 221, 649 women reported experiencing physical violence by a partner in their lifetime.
Despite government’s efforts to fight GBV and femicide (GBVF), the Mthatha mother says she has been let down by the justice system.
The alleged attacker had been paroled in December 2024 after serving time for assault.
He allegedly returned, and attacked her the same day he was released, following which she attempted to open a case.
The police station referred her to a clinic without opening a case, where she was then advised to seek a protection order when the court reopened on January 3.
The man returned and correctional services were contacted, but he allegedly escaped from their custody.
He returned and the woman was assaulted with an axe. She was hospitalised for weeks.
The mother of four fled her home and sought refuge in another village. But she spends her days fearing her attacker will find her.
In May 2024, the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill was signed into law to protect women and children.
Preceding the new law is the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which involves role players from various sectors.
Its aim is to understand the root causes of GBVF, but more importantly, how to support and protect victims.
Despite these efforts, women still face barriers to accessing justice, such as the Mthatha mother who alleged that she was sent from the police station to a clinic without a case being registered.
A case was successfully opened only after the axe attack.
SA has made positive moves towards creating a safer environment for women, but the battle is far from being won.
To effectively combat GBVF, we have to continue strengthening our legal frameworks and ensuring accountability.
Daily Dispatch
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