A 25-year-old South African woman, identified as Zizipho Nikita Kalubi,, has suffered the loss of her left eye following a brutal attack. The incident occurred when she and her boyfriend were returning from running errands on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at around 2 pm in Khayelitsha Town Two. They encountered an alleged suitor who had been harassing her for some time.
Nikita recounted how the man had been making crude remarks and catcalling her, which she had previously ignored. On this fateful day, the harassment escalated as the man approached them. When Nikita's boyfriend intervened, the situation worsened. The man suddenly struck Nikita in the face with a brick, causing her to lose consciousness.
She was rushed to Khayelitsha Hospital, where her injuries were treated, and she received stitches before being transferred to Tygerberg Hospital. There, she learned the extent of the damage to her left eye, which had to be surgically removed. She also suffered a fractured nose.
Following the surgery, Nikita is awaiting the healing of her wounds before an artificial eye can be fitted. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of gender-based violence against women in South Africa, with advocates condemning such attacks.
Khanya Qongqo, Founder of Harare Community Action Network (CAN), expressed her deep concern over Nikita's ordeal, emphasizing the fear and insecurity that women often face when going about their daily lives. The attack took place during Women's Month, underscoring the urgency of addressing gender-based violence in the country.