8 October 2007
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, welcomes the sentencing
of Gordon Joubert to the effective 39 years for the crimes he committed which
include sexually molesting children while recording a video as reported in the
print media this past weekend. This comes in the wake of persistent media
reports of misuse of mobile phones by learners to record sexual and violence
scenes then distribute the material, which highlights the concerns we have been
raising about the misuse of technology to perpetuate crimes of violence and
sex.
However the Deputy Minister is disappointed by the failure of the judgement
to declare him 'a dangerous criminal'. Even though he may have committed the
crimes before the promulgation of the Minimum Sentences Act as the judgement
suggests, the gravity of his crimes do warrant, at least morally, that he be
declared 'a dangerous criminal'. Despite the failure of the judgement to
declare him as such, the society does recognise him and others like him as
dangerous criminals.
The Deputy Minister is further disturbed by the newspaper reports this past
weekend that a music teacher in West Rand has appeared in court on charges of
indecent assault and the possession of child pornography involving minors he is
supposed to teach. Our law enforcement agencies must continue to investigate
and bring such people to face the full wrath of the law.
Our society must continue to expose and isolate criminals who are inclined
to misusing their status and position in society to abuse minors who are weak
and vulnerable. Today's report of an internet paedophile currently being hunted
by Interpol shows that technology can be misused to abuse children and that
child pornography crime knows no boundaries. The government is committed to
creating a caring society through, among others, protecting the vulnerable. The
parents and teachers should join hands in monitoring the use mobile phones and
internet by minors and schoolchildren.
Contact:
Bayanda Mzoneli
Media and Parliamentary Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 715 7436
Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
8 October 2007
Source: Department of Home Affairs (http://www.dha.gov.za)
