A woman standing on a road Nontobeko Cele was killed by her boyfriend Sibusiso Lawrence. Picture: Facebook
Durban: KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has called for the root causes of gender-based violence to be confronted and for men to seek help to cope with emotional distress and anger.
He was commenting after the brutal killing of 25-year-old Nontobeko Cele in Umzinto just days after the province launched the 365 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
Cele was stabbed to death by her boyfriend, Sibusiso Lawrence, who later took his own life.
In a video shared on social media, Lawrence, who appears to have blood on his face, talks about their relationship and then shows the body of Cele.
Police said Cele’s body was found on a gravel road in Malangeni on Tuesday evening with multiple stab wounds and a broken knife nearby.
Lawrence’s body was later found hanging from a tree near the scene.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the incident.
In the disturbing video, Lawrence states, “You will say I am being ruthless. I have tried and worked hard in my life trying to satisfy a woman, trying to make her happy, trying to make a woman happy. I have tried really hard, I have lost a lot of things and a lot of money, lots of everything.”
Ntuli strongly condemned the incident, calling it a violation of human dignity and morality.
He emphasised the need to confront the root causes of GBV, including societal attitudes, structural inequalities, and systemic failures.
“This horrific act highlights the urgency of addressing this scourge of violence against women and children. Tragically, the perpetrator took his own life, denying us the chance to ensure justice is served. As a province, we must not tolerate such actions and work together to ensure women and children feel safe and protected,” said Ntuli.
Ntuli further urged men to seek help when struggling with emotional distress or anger.
“We want to encourage men to speak out and seek help. Addressing emotions constructively is key to preventing violence and fostering healthier relationships. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness but an act of courage.”
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu also issued a scathing condemnation of the act and Lawrence’s use of social media to confess to the crime and share disturbing images of Cele.
“This shocking incident is a grim reminder of the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence in our society. Such acts are a betrayal of our shared humanity and have no place in our nation. Furthermore, the use of social media to amplify such cruelty is deeply unacceptable and reflects a disregard for basic decency,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu acknowledged that Lawrence’s suicide ended the legal pursuit of justice but said it did not erase the pain caused to Cele’s family, friends, and community.
The TEARS Foundation, an anti-GBV advocacy group, emphasised the importance of early education for boys to break the cycle of violence.
“To end gender-based violence, we must start by educating young boys on respect, emotional regulation, and healthy masculinity. Teaching these values early is key to preventing violence later in life,” the foundation said.
The organisation stressed the need for schools, families, and communities to play an active role in instilling positive behaviours and addressing harmful gender norms.
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