Justice for Ntobeko Cele: A Nation Unites Under #SayHerName

In a heart-wrenching and shocking incident, Sibusiso Lawrence Ntaka confessed in a viral video to killing his wife, Ntobeko Cele, before sharing images of her lifeless body on Facebook. The 25-year-old victim’s body was found in Ntaka’s car, and shortly after, Ntaka died by suicide near the scene of the crime.

This tragedy has reignited calls for justice against gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, a country grappling with alarmingly high rates of violence against women. Social media users have united under the hashtag #SayHerName, sharing photos of Cele as a vibrant and joyful woman, and condemning the gruesome act.

Ntaka’s act of broadcasting his crime online has drawn outrage, with advocacy groups and individuals expressing heartbreak over the brutality.
Women For Change, a prominent organization, stated:

“We are deeply disturbed that the perpetrator felt confident enough to share his gruesome act on social media. We are heartbroken over the loss of such a beautiful soul and the trauma inflicted on her loved ones. Fly high, Sister. #SayHerName.”

Some activists argue that such crimes do not occur in isolation but stem from a culture that disregards women’s safety and rights.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) stated:

“Men in South Africa truly hate us. We are hunted down and gutted like animals. We are truly in peril because of men.”

The conversation on social media has also sparked polarizing debates. A thread comparing minor infractions, such as supporting public figures accused of GBV, to severe acts of violence like Ntaka’s, has caused controversy.

“Public support of men like Chris Brown is what leads to the actions of men like Sibusiso Lawrence. Everyone who attended that concert this weekend has contributed to the GBV rate in this country,” one user argued.

Others pushed back, accusing such comments of being overly simplistic and unfairly generalizing all men. One user retorted:

“I went to that concert—now go open a case.”

Prominent voices, such as Phumzile Van Damme, emphasized that Ntaka’s actions are not isolated.

“Sibusiso is a symptom of a greater societal disease. Sixty percent of women in South Africa are killed by intimate partners. He is not an anomaly but a reflection of many men who abuse and are protected by silence or ignorance.”

Disturbingly, some individuals shifted blame onto Cele, making inflammatory comments that perpetuate victim-blaming. One user suggested:

“I need to educate my girls on the consequences of being a bad woman and the dangers of having a man in your life.”

Such sentiments have drawn sharp criticism from those advocating for systemic change to address GBV and dismantle harmful stereotypes.

Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, condemned the crime and the use of social media to amplify such cruelty.

“This shocking incident is a grim reminder of the ongoing scourge of GBV in our society. Such acts of violence are a betrayal of our shared humanity. The use of social media to amplify such cruelty reflects a disregard for decency and dignity.”

Ntobeko Cele’s tragic death is a grim reminder of the ongoing struggle against GBV in South Africa. Activists, government officials, and citizens are calling for increased efforts to combat this pervasive issue and ensure that women can live free from fear and violence.

#JusticeForNtobekoCele #SayHerName

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