Community activists are calling on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to probe the death of a Hanover Park woman who was killed during a dispute with a family member.
Also read: GBV cases dropped in Kraaifontein due to police inefficiencies
In June, 40-year-old Chantel Pasquelle was admitted to a hospital after a family member reportedly stabbed and assaulted her. She passed away on Sunday.
An anonymous community activist told Daily Voice that although the police responded to calls for help, they did not conduct a wellness check inside the home.
‘They could hear the woman screaming for help inside but they did nothing. The police who are supposed to help people, decided to get into their cars and left the woman in distress.’
‘The [perpetrator] had allegedly called the family and told them that he would kill her and that is when they went to the home with the police.’
‘She had a head injury and was in a coma for all those weeks leading to her demise. The community is really shocked and angry about what happened.’
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said detectives are investigating the case. ‘According to reports she sustained stab wounds and bruises to her body and was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.’
‘On Sunday 28 July 2024, she died in hospital due to injuries sustained. The attempted murder case was then changed to a murder case. The investigation is ongoing and an arrest is imminent.’
However, more than a month later, no arrests were made.
Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women Centre founder Lucinda Evans brought the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) case to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in search of answers.
‘Why did the police drive away even though they heard someone screaming for help?’ she said. ‘The standard operating procedure for the police says that in the event that they witness or someone tells them [about a crime] they must act.’
‘When is the minister of police coming to us? I want to sit him down and ask how many operational GBV desks are at the police stations.’
‘When is he going to ensure that his members are properly trained and oriented when it comes to GBV? And what is going to happen to police officers like this who were able to do something when it was reported? What are the repercussions for that?’
‘This murder could have been prevented.’
Also read:
Decade-long wait ends: Safe haven for GBV victims finally opens
Picture: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images