The IFP in the KZN Legislature welcomes the 100-year jail sentence handed down this week by the KwaDukuza Regional Court, to a man who raped his teenage stepdaughter.
According to the police, in August 2021, the 15-year-old female was sleeping when she was awakened by her stepfather, who got into bed with her. Terrified and traumatised by the stepfather’s behaviour, she insisted that he leave. He overpowered and raped her while threatening her with violence. The accused continued raping the victim whenever her mother was not around.
This sentence is a milestone for justice in a country where sexual attacks on minors have reached unacceptable levels. Further, it is an important precedent in the delivery of justice in South Africa. The IFP believes that it will act as a deterrent to men involved in rape and those who consider such inhumane acts. This judgment sends a clear signal that justice is beginning to be delivered in the right way.
So many families in South Africa are torn apart by acts of violence. It is a shame that there are men who are preying on young girls, including their own children. These criminals must be flushed out of our communities.
The IFP believes that the role of a father in the family is incredibly important to their child or children’s psychological and physical wellbeing. When a child has a healthy relationship with a father figure, they tend to grow up with higher levels of psychological health, as well as better relationships with other male figures.
The IFP therefore calls for such lengthy penalties for rapists to become the norm – without the option of parole. Harsh punishment will help reduce the rise in cases of rape and gender-based violence. Let us not relent in defending rights and seeking justice for our women and children.
In this instance, the criminal justice system must be commended for the sentence handed down.
The IFP believes that the protection of women and children must be a 365-day-a-year project. We appeal to all stakeholders, including the KZN Department of Social Development, to help in sensitising people on issues of child abuse, their consequences and the impact on victims, because the penalties alone may not be effective in combating this scourge.
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Contact
Hon Les Govender, MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Social Development
083 974 4894
