KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize has expressed outrage following the rape of an eight year old girl in Gingindlovu, north of KwaZulu-Natal. The kid's eyes were severely damaged after the rapist tried to gouge them out. The Premier was speaking after dispatching senior government officials from various government departments to the area to ensure that victim and her family are provided with the necessary professional care during this traumatic period.
"This incident takes place few days before we celebrate Freedom Day. Our quest for freedom cannot be complete if our country is plagued by social ills which have become so endemic in our society such as child molestation, rapes and teenage pregnancies."
"Cabinet has mobilised various government departments to attend to issues such as the welfare challenges of vulnerable children including abused and orphaned, youth in distress, homeless children, those from unstable families and those in conflict with the law in order to create safety nets to save them from joining the pool from which hardened criminals recruit."
"While the law is currently taking its cause, we call on communities to stand up and unite in a public display of disapproval of this sheer brutality. The spirit of civic responsibility and pride which leads to citizen, especially the youth, to respect and obey the law and value human lives must be built throughout the province. Without this, reducing social ills will remain a huge challenge."
"There is a strong role of parents, leaders of society including traditional and religious leaders. The teachings from the family must emphasize human values of respect and caring for a fellow human being. Normal socialisation is about creating a human being capable of showing and sharing affection, warmth and friendship. It is such individuals that will create a caring and humane society that we desire."
Note for assignment editors: Premier and members of cabinet are scheduled to visit the victim in Empangeni tomorrow morning, 27 April 2012. Details will be communicated to the media.
Media wishing to attend must contact:
Chris Maxon, Media Liaison Office for MEC for Health, Dr Sbongiseni Dhlomo
Cell: 083 447 2869
Regi Khumalo, Media Liaison Desk for the Premier
Cell: 079 751 6108
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Spokesperson: Dr Zweli Mkhize - Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal
Cell: 082 375 4742
