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ActionSA condemns in the strongest terms the disturbing conduct captured in a video circulating on social media, in which a man is seen confronting and threatening women at a Johannesburg restaurant.

According to reports, the man entered an area occupied by the women and, during the confrontation, threatened to shoot them. There is nothing harmless, humorous or insignificant about a man threatening women with a bullet.

South African women already live with an intolerable burden of violence, harassment and intimidation. A woman should be able to reject an advance, go out for dinner, enter a bathroom or simply occupy a public space without fearing that saying “no” may result in threats against her life.

No man's money, social standing, connections or nationality places him above the law. We therefore welcome confirmation from the restaurant that the matter has been reported to the South African Police Service and that the establishment is cooperating with the investigation. We expect the allegations to be investigated thoroughly and, where the evidence establishes criminal conduct, for the law to take its course.

We must also resist attempts to turn this incident into collective blame against any nationality. If questions arise regarding an individual's immigration status, those are matters for the appropriate authorities to establish and enforce in accordance with South African law. But the central issue before us is straightforward: women must be safe in South Africa and threats of violence against them must have consequences.

Restaurants, clubs and other establishments operating in our communities also carry a responsibility to ensure that women who report threatening or intimidating behaviour are protected immediately and treated seriously.

A society cannot claim to be fighting gender-based violence only after a woman has been assaulted or killed. Prevention means responding when the threats begin. South African women deserve to live freely, socialise freely and say no freely — without intimidation and without fear.

Issued by ActionSA National Spokesperson Lerato Ngobeni MP