Media Statement from KwaZulu Natal Social Development

04 June 2014

The MEC for Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal Mrs Weziwe Thusi has expressed confidence in the justice system following the sentencing of three child rapists in the Province over the past 48 hours.

Yesterday the Esikhawini Regional Court sentenced a 47-year-old man to 25 years imprisonment for raping an 8-year-old girl.

The man was arrested last year, shortly after his victim told her mother that he had raped her on several occasion and threatened to harm her if she told anyone of the incident.

In Newcastle a prosecutor has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl. The incident happened in October 2011 while the girl was in his care.

On Monday the Empangeni Regional Court sentenced a 51-year-old man to 20 years in jail for raping a 14-year-old after asking her to accompany him to the shop.

MEC Thusi said, "The sentences imposed on these raping are a clear indication that our justice system has zero tolerance to crimes against children, rape in particular. These sentences have been handed down at an opportune moment where we observe Child Protection Week, a time set aside but our government to raise awareness about the plight of children including sexual abuse."

She added, "As the Department that deals with the after effects of abuse on a daily basis, we are encouraged and we hope that victims of abuse will also be encouraged to report cases of abuse even more because we are mindful of the fact that some of the cases go unreported. I think the police and our courts have proved that they are on the side of victims of abuse."

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