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Woman killed while 16 Days of Activism launched

Michael Tlhakudi

Michael Tlhakudi

As if they wanted to prove a point, three men allegedly killed a 44-year-old woman while the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Child Abuse campaign in Bloemfontein, Free State, was being launched at the weekend.

Ironically the killing occurred while Free State premier, Beatrice Marshoff, called for everyone to participate in the campaign to combat "this senseless killing of women and children".

According to Free State police, Riana Bitzer, from Kwaggafontein near Bloemfontein, was dropping off her employees at the corner of Leepile and Taelo streets in Phase 2 near Bloemfontein.

Bitzer was approached by three men who allegedly demanded her money and cellphone.

She tried to defend herself by spraying the men with a pepper- spray. One of the suspects then allegedly drew a hand-gun and shot Bitzer in the chest, killing her instantly.

Police said the suspects fled the scene in an unknown vehicle and were still at large.

Inspector Harry Nagel of the Free State police condemned the killing, saying: "We are only halfway into the campaign, but the murders still occur."

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