In the interests of community safety, it is imperative that we do not turn a blind eye to the epidemic of femicide in our society. The tragic murder of Velia Strydom has shaken our community to its core, and we stand at a critical juncture where justice must be served without compromise. Granting bail to the accused would not only undermine the severity of this heinous act but also put the safety of countless individuals at risk.

Each day, women across South Africa live under the shadow of violence and fear, a stark reality underscored by alarming statistics. According to the South African Police Service, a woman is murdered every three hours in our country, many of these murders categorised as femicides. This crisis demands that we take a firm stand and reevaluate how the justice system addresses such grave crimes.

Velia's tragic death should mark a turning point and serve as a strong message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated and that its perpetrators will face the full weight of the law. Granting bail in this case would be a grave miscarriage of justice and a step back in our fight against this pervasive issue.

We urge the judiciary to deny bail to those accused of heinous crimes such as femicide to protect the victims' families and ensure community safety. It is essential to send a clear message that our communities will not stand for this violence.

Sign this petition to demand justice for Velia, to voice our collective condemnation of gender-based violence, and to insist that the accused stands trial while in custody. Your signature is not just a demand for justice for Velia, but also a pledge to fight for a safer community for all.