The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Adv Michael Masutha, condemns in the strongest terms the recent incidents of gender-based violence. These deplorable incidents against women have reached alarming and intolerable levels.
Every week South Africa is confronted by the assault and gruesome killings of women either by their intimate partners, relatives, or strangers. The media has reported a massive figure of over 30 femicide cases since January 2017.
The department calls on all sectors of society to unite against all forms of abuses against women and children. It also encourages individual and community activism to stop the scourge of abuse. Gender-based violence is a violation of human rights.
The department has also adopted victim-centric approach on sexual offences by re-establishing sexual offences courts. There is already work in progress in reviewing the 2003 Victim’s Charter in a bid to substitute it with another legislative framework seeking to bring the victim to the centre of the criminal justice system.
Cabinet, has also, in March 2017, approved an initiative to review the entire criminal justice value chain on various aspects, including issues such as bail, with a view to improve public confidence in the justice system.
“I have impressed on the National Prosecuting Authority to adopt an aggressive stance in prosecuting all these cases, speedily and effectively. In this regard, we call on communities to support the investigation of these matters, and to come forward with evidence that may assist in the prosecution of these cases.
I also have confidence in our judiciary that they will impose harsher sentences to the perpetrators once they are convicted,” said Minister Masutha.
Enquiries:
Mthunzi Mhaga
Cell: 083 641 8141
E-mail: Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za
