Government applauds South African courts on serving justice

3 April 2014

South Africa is a better place to live in, and this has been proven yet again after the wheels of justice turned in two criminal cases before South African courts today. Government welcomes the life imprisonment sentencing of Xolile Tose by the Eastern Cape High Court for raping a six-year-old girl in 2011, and the sentencing of Shinawaaz Ahmento and Kyle Fredericks, who received 23 years and 15 years respectively for raping and strangling Tracey-Lee Martins in 2013.

Acting GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams said, “Government applauds the South African judicial system and law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts in ensuring that justice was served in both cases. These sentences demonstrate that government will not tolerate the abuse of women and children and serve as a deterrent to other perpetrators.”

Since South Africa attained democracy, government has and continues to strive to ensure that the constitutional rights of women and children are upheld in our country.  Their rights are entrenched in our Constitution, which is the cornerstone of democracy in South Africa. “Government will not tolerate the abuse of children and women; and will not allow this to define us as a country. During this freedom month, all citizens should reflect on the pivotal role played by women and children, in attaining the freedom we now enjoy,” said Williams.

The recent government initiative to protect women and children’s constitutional rights is the launch of the Pilot Phase of the Command Centre on Gender-Based Violence, which forms part of the five-year Programme of Action. Government has also put in place systems such as the Constitution, supporting legislation specifically aimed at protecting women and children, and policies and programmes aimed at fighting crime in our country.

“Government calls on victims to utilize the 24-hour call centre that is dedicated to provide support and counseling to victims of gender-based violence”, said Williams.

Victims of violence and abuse are encouraged to use the toll free number 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counseling. Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialing *120*7867# (free) from a cellphone.
 
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139

Issued by: Government Communications and Information System (GCIS)