Durban- Extensive jail terms for three convicted rapists in KwaZulu-Natal was welcomed by social development MEC Weziwe Thusi on Wednesday.
“The sentences imposed on these rapings are a clear indication that our justice system has zero tolerance to crimes against children, rape in particular.”
Thusi said she hoped the sentences would encourage rape victims to report cases of abuse because many went unreported.
“I think the police and our courts have proved that they are on the side of victims of abuse.”
On Tuesday, a 47-year-old man was jailed for 25 years by the Esikhawini Regional Court for raping an eight-year-old girl.
He raped the girl several times and threatened to harm her if she told anyone.
Also on Tuesday, Newcastle prosecutor Remmington Zamokuhle Ngema was jailed for life by the Pietermaritzburg High Court for raping a 13-year-old girl.
The third rapist, a 51-year-old man, was jailed for 20 years by the Empangeni Regional Court for raping a 14-year-old girl in 2012.
He had asked her to accompany him to the shop and while walking there she was forced into a bush and raped.
The girl reported this to teachers and her mother.
Sapa