Violence Against Women
Source: News Ghana
A total of 1,357 criminals were sentenced to life sentences or many years of imprisonment in South Africa between July 1 and Dec. 31 last year for various crimes related to women and children, police said on Wednesday.
The police said these crimes against women and children included murder, rape and child pornography.
“A total of 1,357 accused persons were given 371 life sentences and over 4,629 years imprisonment by the courts for 838 cases,” said police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili.
He said that among those arrested were six serial rapists who were sentenced to a combined 17 life sentences and more than 800 years’ imprisonment. One of the cases involves a suspect who was convicted of 52 charges including rape, kidnapping, assault and was sentenced to 15 life sentences and 105 years’ imprisonment.
The police vowed that they have zero tolerance on crimes against women and children.
“Crimes against women and children have always been a priority for the South African police service and the 2018/2019 financial year was declared as the year to especially focus on crimes against women and children,” Muridili said.
South Africa has high numbers of crimes against women. Statistics released by the police showed that in 2017/18 financial year more than 20,000 people were killed, among whom 20 percent were women and children.