KZN Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize today paid a visit to an eight-year-old girl (who cannot be named because she is a minor and a victim of a sexual assault) from Gingindlovu's whose brutal attack and rape caused an international outcry, and committed government's support while condemning the incident. The girl was raped and had her eye gouged out in the attack.
Dr Mkhize was accompanied by Education MEC Senzo Mchunu and the regional leadership and senior officials from all levels of government, some of whom have been in the area since the incident was reported. A 15-year-old suspect appeared in court yesterday and was released to the care of his parents because he is a minor.
“We are here to offer our support to the victim and her family and to ensure that she gets the proper care that she needs,” said Dr Mkhize.
He said communities have to take responsibility for the children and to ensure that they are able to grow up with safety in their own communities. He said as the country celebrates Freedom Day, we need to realise that our hard-earned democracy does not give anyone the right to abuse another person.
Dr Mkhize said the victim will get the medical treatment needed in sexual cases. She and her family will also receive counselling to help them deal with the incident while the police and the justice department will ensure that the case is handled properly.
Dr Mkhize said intervention will also be offered to the community, because most incidents of violence involving minors are an indication of communities that need healing themselves from violence.
For more information, contact:
Regi Khumalo
Media Liaison Desk for Dr Zweli Mkhize
Cell: 079 751 6108
E-mail: regi.khumalo@yahoo.com
or
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, Premier’s Spokesperson,
Cell: 082 3754742
E-mail: sibiyand@premier.kzntl.gov.za
