A South African politician is asking the court to drop criminal charges against a mother who was arrested for killing a man who tried to rape her disabled daughter.

The mother, from the Eastern Cape, reportedly caught the 65-year-old man attacking her daughter. In a moment of fear and anger, she beat him to death. She was later arrested and is expected to appear in court this week.

Bukiwe Fanta, a government official for Social Development in the Eastern Cape, said the mother should not be punished. She believes the woman was only trying to protect her child and acted out of desperation.

Fanta said, “Any parent would likely react the same way in that situation.” She explained that the case shows how serious gender-based violence is in South Africa, and how the justice system should be more understanding in cases like this.

The mother’s name hasn’t been made public to protect her family’s privacy. People across the country have shown support for her, especially on social media, where many have shared their own stories of abuse and fear.

Fanta stressed that the justice system should protect victims and their families, not punish them for defending themselves. She called for a review of the legal case and said that South Africa needs laws that support victims of violence.

Gender-based violence is a major problem in South Africa. Many women and children are attacked every day, and the numbers keep rising. Fanta says this case shows why change is needed now more than ever.

This mother’s story is not just about one family—it’s about a country struggling to protect its most vulnerable people. Many South Africans believe she should be seen as a mother who acted in love and fear, not as a criminal.