The Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities welcomes the conviction of Terry Oliphant by the Oudtshoorn regional court on two charges of producing and possessing child pornography.
Oliphant appeared in the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) Special Assignment programme in January this year where he was linked to the production of videos of sex with girl children. He was subsequently suspended from his position as a social grant officer and a member of Congress of the People (COPE).
His conviction would not have come at a better time as the country is observing 16 Days of Activism on No Violence Against Women and Children. The 16 Days campaign ends on Thursday, December 10 (International Human Rights Day) with a national event to be addressed by President Jacob Zuma in Qwaqwa campus of the University of Free State.
The Ministry appreciates the role played by the media in exposing the incidents of abuse, leading to appropriate actions being taken in these cases. The Ministry views child pornography as a major challenge perpetrating the abuse of children. The challenge is both in terms of use of children as subject of pornographic material and easy access to pornography for children.
The Ministry calls upon the Oudtshoorn regional court to impose the heaviest sentence possible when the sentencing on this case commences next month. The court should demonstrate that the abuse of children will not be tolerated in our society.
Contact:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 0827720161
Issued by: Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities
8 December 2009
