Gugulethu residents march for justice in memory of Nosiphiwo Sheila Dosi

Anger, grief, tears, and chants filled the streets of Gugulethu on the morning of Friday, February 6, as residents and activists marched in a gender-based violence (GBV) awareness campaign.

The township transformed into a sea of orange and blue as advocacy groups, in partnership with Ilitha Labantu, led the #Uthuleleni Anti-GBVF motorcade to highlight the rising rate of violence against women in the area.

The motorcade followed the killing of Nosiphiwo Sheila Dosi on January 19. Her boyfriend allegedly murdered her, and her death has become a rallying point for the community’s collective response against gender-based violence and femicide.

Her body was discovered in a refuse bin being rolled along a street towards an abandoned house in NY1.

The march began in NY112 and moved to Malunga Park, stopping outside the home of the alleged perpetrator, where wreaths were laid and candles lit. Emotions ran high as protesters gathered outside the house. Heated exchanges broke out between some marchers and residents, but calm was restored when police and Ilitha Labantu’s Ludwe Nkomo intervened, allowing the vigil to continue peacefully.

Ilitha Labantu condemned the killing, stating that Ms Dosi’s death was only the “tip of the iceberg” in a community struggling with ongoing violence.

Mr Nkomo appealed to women to leave abusive relationships and seek help, stressing that GBV, femicide, and child abuse continue to tear through the moral fabric of Gugulethu and other parts of the Cape Metro.

“This motorcade is a collective call for justice, accountability, and action for Nosiphiwo Sheila Dosi and for all women whose lives are threatened or taken by intimate partner violence,” Mr Nkomo said. “Through the #Uthuleleni campaign, we are calling for early intervention, shared responsibility, and justice.”

Ms Dosi’s mother, Beauty Kula, addressed the crowd at the spot where her daughter’s body was found. Through tears, she described her daughter as strong and vowed to care for her grandchildren. “You were a very strong person. You must fight on. I will keep your children and guide them,” she said.

Family members mentioned that the relationship had a history of domestic violence and that they had previously advised the couple to separate.

Bishop Zamuxolo Mfihlo, who led prayers, urged men to protect women and children. He spoke about his own loss, recalling how his three-month-pregnant daughter was killed by her boyfriend. “Every time I attend a march like this, it takes me back to my daughter’s death,” he said. “My call to men is to protect women and children. Women must also recognise the signs and leave toxic relationships.”

Gugulethu police station commander Colonel Soyiso Mantyi stated that officers joined the march in support of stakeholder Ilitha Labantu. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a suspect was arrested and charged with murder. The case is before the Athlone Magistrate’s Court, and the accused is expected to make a formal bail application today Monday, February 9.

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