The Democratic Alliance has urged the Independent Democrats to sack ID Northern Cape MPL John Gunda, who was sentenced in the Upington regional court on Monday to 10 years' imprisonment for rape.
"There is no space for Mr Gunda - a convicted rapist - in the Northern Cape legislature, or in fact in any legislature. (ID leader Patricia) De Lille must sack John Gunda immediately," said DA MP and women's network chairperson Janet Semple.
"South African women and children are every day faced with the threat of falling victim to rape or abuse."
The justice system and its lack of resources had led to many feeling neglected and forgotten.
At the very least, they deserved to have public representatives who did not make themselves guilty of such crimes.
The ID said in a statement it had learnt with regret the outcome of the case against Gunda.
Gunda will apply for leave to appeal against the sentence within 14 days. "The ID will meet soon to discuss the way forward," the statement read. - Sapa