CGE welcomes the Judgement handed down against Bongiwe Ninini’s killers and pedophile Warren Knoop
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) welcomes the judgement handed down against Bongiwe Ninini killers by Acting Judge Mushtak Parker at the Western Cape High Court yesterday.
The brutal and merciless killing of Ninini will forever be a constant reminder of the painful death at the hands of those she knew very well, subsequently disposing her body at an open drain and continue with life as if nothing had happened.
The Commission believes that the sentencing of Masimthembe Solontsi, Phumlani Nyewu, Melikhaya Mgushelo and Thabiso Balithoba will send a strong message that the Gender Based Violence (GBV), and other related matters are being taken seriously by the criminal justice system.
Having been found guilty for kidnapping and murdering, believe there is reason enough for the Acting Judge Parker to give life sentences, as this will set a precedent to the “would be” murderers and kidnappers and those who commit acts of gender based violence that our society and justice system are tired of violence against women and children.
The CGE believes that such a successful prosecution will definitely give courage to other victims of gender-based violence to come out and testify as the country deals with the scourge of violence against women. Research shows that four women a day are either killed or raped. This has to stop!
The CGE also welcomes the 32 life sentences handed down by Judge Cassim Moosa at the Johannesburg high Court on Monday to Paedophile Warren Troy Knoop on charges of rape, sexual assault and molestation. His victims included three young girls.
In addition to his life sentences, Knoop was given a further 20 years for the rape of a second victim, 15 years for the rape of the third victim, 20 years for using a child for the purpose of child porn, and 20 years for creation of child porn.
Judge Moosa gave Knoop a further 40 years for sexual assault, 10 years for forcing a child to witness masturbation, 10 years for exposure or display of genitals to a child, five years for sexual grooming, 15 years for possession of child pornography, and 15 years for distribution of child porn.
“The CGE commends all in the justice system who worked tirelessly to ensure that justice is done for the late Bongiwe Ninini, and the victims of Warren Knoop and their families.
The life sentences imprisonment imposed for murder, sexual assault, rape, kidnapping, etc under Minimum Sentences Act of 1997 as Amended will send a clear message that enough is enough!” said Ms Thoko Mpumlwana, Acting Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality
People can use our Toll Free Number 0800 007 709 to report cases of gender based violence and other related crimes.
Contact person:
Javu Baloyi
Cell: 083 579 3306
