The Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Ms Lulu Xingwana is appalled, saddened and shocked by the recently reported monstrous atrocities and heinous crimes of violence against women and children and conveys sincere condolences to the families affected.
“We have noted with serious concern the report of the six weeks old baby raped by the uncle, the four year old boy raped by a 17 year old teenager and the rape of elderly woman whilst fetching firewood from the veld and the murder and rape of a child in the Western Cape, These perpetrators are preying on the defenceless members of our society, older women and children. These acts can only be committed by very sick people.
'We therefore appeal to government institutions, community leaders, religious, counsellors, etc, to strengthen our support to the victims and their families at this trying time. As government we will ensure that we leave no stone unturned to ensure that these perpetrators get no bail whilst awaiting trial and are given harsher sentences. These crimes will under no circumstances be tolerated and is totally unacceptable.
'We commend the Police for the arrests of the perpetrators and further commend the communities for their calmness and for allowing the police to apprehend these perpetrators and for heeding to our calls that we should not look away but play our part to report these crimes,” says Minister Xingwana.
Enquiries:
Phuti Mabelebele
Cell: 076 402 7521
