Durban woman’s plea for help amid domestic violence crisis sparks outcry on GBV

The widely reported domestic violence incident involving Durban hairstylist and salon owner Snenhlanhla Nenezane Mthembu has ignited national outrage and intensified the spotlight on South Africa’s persistent gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) crisis. 

Mthembu shared social media posts alleging abuse by her boyfriend and claiming a lack of police action on cases opened in Lamontville and at uMlazi police stations. The posts went viral, prompting strong reactions. 

Mthembu’s posts included: “This is my final attempt to call for help, and try to arrest this monster who has been abusing me physically from the day we started dating”, and, “I have opened four cases with failure because no police get near him.” Another post that said “Nizokholwa (you will believe me) when he kills me?” resonated with many, triggering an outpouring of online support.

Women For Change demanded justice for Mthembu and said, “We are outraged.” 

The organisation said no survivor should have to disclose trauma online for the protective system to believe or help them.

“Once again, SAPS failed to protect a woman, despite four formal cases being opened. GBVF was declared a National Disaster on November 20, yet women continue to be met with disregard, negligence, humiliation, and cruelty at police stations and in our courts,” the organisation said. 

“It has been eight weeks since GBVF was officially classified as a National Disaster - yet we have seen no enforcement, no urgency, and no systemic change.” 

KZN Legislature Standing Committee on the Quality of Life chairperson Fikile Masiko said GBVF remains a national crisis. 

“It is not only the acts of violence themselves that endanger women’s lives, but also systemic failures, indifference, delays, and alleged interference that allow perpetrators to act with impunity,” Masiko said. 

She said the committee states that: 

• Violence against women is a gross violation of human rights and an affront to the values enshrined in our Constitution.
• No survivor should be forced to turn to social media as a last resort to be heard, protected, or believed.
• Every reported case matters, and every failure to act increases the risk of serious harm or loss of life.

IFP Women’s Brigade KZN chairperson Councillor Ntombifuthi Ntshayintshayi said the alleged failure by law enforcement is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about the treatment of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the province and in the country.

She highlighted that although President Cyril Ramaphosa declared GBVF a national pandemic, women continue to be failed by the very systems meant to protect them. 

“We applaud Ms Mthembu for speaking out while she is still alive, her body and soul still together. Too often, women’s voices are only heard after they have been brutally killed. Her bravery must not be ignored or dismissed,” Ntshayintshayi said. 

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda addressed social media reports that uMlazi police failed to act on the complaint which was made on Friday, January 9, 2026.

“Hardly 48 hours after the case was reported, police have on Monday, January 12, 2026, arrested a 24-year-old suspect in connection with the alleged assault of his 31-year-old girlfriend and maliciously damaging her vehicle during a domestic violence-related incident at V Section in uMlazi on Friday,” Netshiunda said. 

He said the suspect allegedly summoned the victim to his home to collect her belongings. When she arrived, he reportedly attacked her with a pipe, his hands, and by biting her. She fled to her car, but the suspect pursued her and damaged the vehicle’s rear windscreen.

“Police investigations also revealed that the victim is currently in hospital due to burn wounds, which she allegedly suffered when she was setting alight her boyfriend’s car, which she burnt to ashes. Once discharged from hospital, she will face counter charges of assault and malicious damage to property,” Netshiunda said. 

He said the arrested suspect will appear in court soon.

Netshiunda clarified that the partners have a documented history of filing legal complaints against one another. These matters have already been heard in court.

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