The small town of Volksrust, Mpumalanga, has been left reeling after the tragic death of 11-year-old Minky Slindile Gule, whose young life was cut short in one of the most brutal ways imaginable. The incident, which occurred in mid-August 2025, has sparked renewed outrage over the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in South Africa.
A Day That Turned Into a Nightmare
On 17 August 2025, Minky was outside playing with a friend when her life took a devastating turn. It is alleged that a neighbour instructed her to fetch electricity from a nearby garage. Innocently, Minky followed the instruction but never made it back home.
Her family grew concerned when she failed to return. After being alerted to her disappearance, they reported the matter to the police and immediately began searching for her. The hope was that she would be found safe. Tragically, that hope was shattered just days later.
The Heartbreaking Discovery
On 20 August, a passerby made a gruesome discovery—Minky’s lifeless body. Reports indicate that her small body bore multiple injuries, including visible marks of strangulation around her neck. To make matters worse, it is further alleged that she was raped before being killed.
The community of Volksrust was left devastated, struggling to come to terms with the cruelty inflicted on such a young and innocent child.
Arrest of the Suspect
Authorities confirmed that 26-year-old Siphesihle Gumede was arrested on 19 August, a day before Minky’s body was found. Gumede now faces a string of serious charges, including rape, murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and defeating the ends of justice.
In a shocking revelation, it also emerged that Gumede had previously been the subject of a protection order obtained by his own mother. The case has once again raised troubling questions about whether existing laws and systems are doing enough to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, from known offenders.
A Call for Change
Minky’s death has sparked widespread calls for stronger action against gender-based violence and femicide. Advocacy groups, including Women For Change, have reiterated demands for GBV and femicide to be declared a national disaster. Many argue that only through urgent and decisive action will South Africa begin to tackle the crisis that continues to claim lives almost daily.
“Rest in Power, Princess,” reads one tribute shared widely on social media, accompanied by images of Minky’s bright smile. Her death has become yet another painful reminder of the urgent need for systemic change.
Honouring Minky’s Memory
The Gule family, alongside the broader community, is left grappling with unimaginable grief. While they mourn, South Africans across the nation are being called upon to honour Minky’s memory by demanding justice—not just for her, but for all victims of GBV and femicide.
An online petition has been launched, urging authorities to take stronger action and finally treat GBV with the seriousness it deserves. Citizens are encouraged to add their voices to the movement here: https://chng.it/4ZMr7cJRpt.
As the country remembers Minky, the question remains: how many more lives must be lost before South Africa says, “Enough is enough”?
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