By Nontobeko Mtshali
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has called for more protection for children after a four-year-old was raped while her mother was out drinking in Jabulani, Soweto.
The premier on Friday visited two families whose children were raped recently.
"We support the decision taken by the police to arrest the mother (for child neglect)," Mokonyane said during her visit to Soweto.
'You can't undermine and possibly ruin the life of a child' The suspect, who is known to the family, was charged with robbery, possession of stolen goods and rape.
In Chiawelo, Soweto, a 19-year-old girl - who has the mental capacity of a four-year-old - was also raped by a family friend.
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The teenager had gone to visit the family friend with her aunt. Her aunt briefly stepped out of the house and, when she returned, she found the man getting dressed. She reported the matter to the police.
Mokonyane said the provincial government and the police would work together to bring the perpetrators to book and to assist the girls through victim support and therapy.
She said the communities should work together with the police to protect vulnerable children against criminals.
"You can't undermine and possibly ruin the life of a child," she said.
Mokonyane's spokesman, Dumisani Zulu, said such crimes were immoral.
"As the government, we will act very strongly against the perpetrators of these hideous crimes," he said.
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This article was originally published on page 5 of The Star on November 09, 2009
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