The Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), Mr Mfanozelwe Shozi, Deputy Chairperson Nandisile Thoko Mpumlwana and Sylvia Stevens-Maziya will attend in the capacity as an observer mission tomorrow at Palm Ridge Magistrates Court where the judgement on the alleged Sunday rapist will be handed-down.
The commission has been monitoring the case as part of its mandate in ensuring the gender-based violence and other related abuses are highlighted and addressed. This mission is intended to offer support to the victims of rape, particularly those that allegedly suffered at the hands of the Sunday rapist and other rapists including those that may not have come forward for fear of retribution.
The CGE is hopeful that in the event that the alleged Sunday Rapist is found guilty, the Judge will hand down the harsh sentence as this would send a strong message that all forms of abuses cannot be tolerated in our society. The untenable proportions and reprehensible nature of gender-based violence including rape of women and children must be addressed in every possible manner.
Therefore, the commission is calling on the criminal justice system to deal effectively with this matter and similar cases in the future. The commission takes cognizance of the role of the South African Police Services (SAPS) in ensuring that the alleged perpetrator was made to stand trial and trusts that all these efforts will deliver a successful prosecution, tomorrow.
Date: 17 September 2012
Enquiries:
Javu Baloyi
Cell: 083 579 3306
CGE Commissioners to attend court as judgment is delivered: Sunday Rapist Trial
