Gauteng rapists get 1 047 years
2013-02-14 19:02
-
Johannesburg
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Johannesburg - Gauteng rapists were sentenced to a
combined 1 047 years in the last three months, police in the province said on
Thursday.
In addition, 48 life sentences were also handed down to
those convicted of rape in the province, police spokesperson Lungelo Dlamini
said.
These sentences were the product of 180 rape cases
reported between 2003 and 2012.
"These successes may be attributed to a much
improved co-operation between the members of the community, victims,
prosecuting authorities and the police," Dlamini said.
The re-establishment of the Family Violence, Child
Protection and Sexual Offences Unit as part of efforts to combat crimes against
women and children had contributed to the successful prosecutions.
Of the 1 047 years of jail time, rapists convicted of
crimes against children 17-years-old or younger were sentenced to 353 years.
The remaining 694 years were for the rapes of women older
than 18.
"Police are urging parents to play a bigger role in
protecting children against the perpetrators, as most victims are in a greater
danger within their families, the place where they should be safest,"
Dlamini said.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Mzwandile Petros had
implemented systems to improve the detection of crimes and docket-monitoring.
Dlamini urged Gauteng residents to report all forms of
abuse to help curb violence against women and children.
- SAPA
