The IFP in the KZN Legislature, as the Official Opposition, welcomes the three life sentences handed down by the Scottburgh Regional Court on Thursday to Sakhile Bhekisisa Mhlungu (47), who raped 10 victims, including children aged 11, 12, and 15, four older teenagers, and two women.
The judgment handed down by Magistrate Asheena Bacharan to the Scottburgh “serial rapist” indeed sends a clear message that any form of sexual violence against women and children will not be tolerated in our country.
We welcome the further three-year prison sentence for each of the other charges, which include kidnapping and discharging of a firearm, as this will run concurrently with the three life sentences.
While justice has won in this case, the IFP believes that in its current form, the 25-year life sentencing of rapists and murderers is not enough. Criminals who commit heinous crimes deserve no mercy.
Therefore, a debate or a possible referendum on the death penalty is called for.
Furthermore, the IFP believes that the government must take bold steps to protect women, children, and the most vulnerable by ensuring that special courts are established to deal with Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Mhlungu’s actions were goal-directed, premeditated, and planned. He represented an ongoing danger to the physical and emotional well-being of women and children within the community at large.
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Contact
Hon. Les Govender, MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Social Development
083 974 4894
