Meghan Markle ties ribbon in memory of murdered student in South Africa

28 September 2019, 08:53

The Duchess of Sussex visited a memorial to a girl whose brutal murder caused outrage across South Africa.

Meghan Markle went and tied a ribbon in memory of student Uyinene Mrwetyana, 19, who was tortured, raped and bludgeoned to death when she went to collect a parcel at her local post office in the township of Lingelethu West in Khayelitsha.

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“Simi kunye kulesisimo” – ‘We stand together in this moment’ The Duchess of Sussex has tied a ribbon at the site where 19-year-old Cape Town student Uyinene Mrwetyana was murdered last month, to pay her respects and to show solidarity with those who have taken a stand against gender based violence and femicide. Over the last month in Capetown, protests erupted through the streets in outrage over GBV in South Africa. The Duke and Duchess had been following what had happened from afar and were both eager to learn more when they arrived in South Africa. The Duchess spoke to the mother of Uyinene this week to relay their condolences. Visiting the site of this tragic death and being able to recognise Uyinene, and all women and girls effected by GBV (specifically in South Africa, but also throughout the world) was personally important to The Duchess. Uyinene’s death has mobilised people across South Africa in the fight against gender based violence, and is seen as a critical point in the future of women’s rights in South Africa. The Duchess has taken private visits and meetings over the last two days to deepen her understanding of the current situation and continue to advocate for the rights of women and girls. For more information on the recent events in South Africa, please see link in bio. #AmINext

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Sep 27, 2019 at 11:35pm PDT

In her pilgrimage, Meghan tied a yellow ribbon to railings where others have paid tribute. Meghan left a moving message on her ribbon that stated “We stand together in this situation. Harry & Meghan 26th September 2019.”

Ms Mrwetyana’s murder rocked South Africa and sparked protests across the country over violence against women.

A 42-year-old post office worker has been charged with murder.

Meghan and baby Archie have been in South Africa while Prince Harry tours Africa, visiting Botswana, Angola and Malawi on a five-day trip.