Government welcomes sentencing of Smith
Government welcomes the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, ruling which handed down sentences on the parents who were responsible for severely torturing a three-year old Nicole Smith over a long time and who eventually died when her mother gave her a blow to the head.
Welmarie Smith received life imprisonment for murder and was also sentenced to an additional 25-year imprisonment for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. Nicole’s biological father, Willem Smith, also received a 25-year jail sentence for assaulting the child. He was not at their then Springs flat on the day Nicole died.
Acting GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams, said: “Government is pleased that the judicial system has demonstrated once again that child abusers will face the might of the law. It is with great sadness that little Nicole had to endure such heinous crimes against her by her own parents. We are appealing to adults to refrain from causing harm to children. We can and must do more to protect the lives of children.”
Government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards child abuse and calls on all South Africans and sectors to partner with government in creating a safer and healthier environment for our children to thrive and together take South Africa forward.
Through various pieces of legislations and policies, government is committed to ensuring the safety of children, however it is also vital that parents and society be cognisant of the roles that they need to play in protecting children and in exposing any suspected child abuse activities or child exploitation. Key amongst these, is the Children’s Act which gives effect to rights of children as contained in the Constitution. It sets out principles relating to the care and protection of children. It also defines parental responsibilities and rights
“It is important that all people familiarise themselves with the Children Act, and treat and protect all children from all forms of harm and danger. It is time for society to stand up for our children and protect them by immediately reporting abuse, neglect and exploitation of children. Individuals should not be afraid of victimisation, and therefore stay quiet, as there are a number of ways to report such child crimes anonymously,” added Williams.
To report violence and abuse against children, the public is urged to use the following numbers:
- SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10 111
- SMS Crime Line: 32211
- Department of Social Development 24-hour Command Centre: 0800 428 428 (toll-free)
- Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone
- Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 424453 / 011 452-4110
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139
