Former Studio 263 actress and ZiFm DJ Tinopona ‘Tino’ Katsande has released a statement after she was savagely assaulted by her boyfriend over the weekend.
Tino took to twitter earlier in the day saying “Was beaten up for asking him to help me clean the house by washing the dishes while I did the laundry.” Later on she took to Facebook and posted the following statement on her wall.
“On Sunday the 11th of November 2012, I joined an alarming and ever increasing group of women who are victims of GBV in Zimbabwe. I speak to you now with chipped teeth, bruised ribs, swollen face, blood shot eyes, patches of uprooted hair from the pulling and a heavy heart BUT, I will also hasten to say that I write this statement because I’m alive.
“I’m a survivor but unfortunately that can’t be said for a lot of women. I’m not an exception; I have unfortunately become the norm. According to the 2005/6 (Zimbabwe Demographic and health survey) ZDHS nearly 6 in every 10 women surveyed reported having experienced some violence perpetrated against them.
“I want to thank everyone who is standing by me during this terrible time but I also ask you to not make it only about Tino. We are on the precipice of the beginning of the 16 days of activism against gender violence. Let’s band together and SAY NO TO VIOLENCE.
“Some people keep telling me not to talk about it. Some said keep it at home and ma”domestic”. Someone even said “Chakafukidza dzimba matenga and I must keep it quiet. I will not keep quiet, I will never keep quiet.”
Meanwhile reports suggest her abuser Brian is locked up at Marimba police station in Harare and his trial will kick off on Tuesday at the Mbare Magistrates Court. Tino is quoted saying all those who want to show support for her should attend the trial and be at the court room by 9am in the morning.
