'Lock up child offenders'
2003-10-15 15:31
Cape Town - "Brutal, heartless criminals who commit acts of this nature should never again be allowed to see the light of day as free men or women."
These were the words uttered by Western Cape premier Marthinus van Schalkwyk after he visited the Tygerberg Academic Hospital where a nine-month-old baby was being treated after being raped in Kalkfontein in Kuils River on Saturday.
A 35-year-old man was arrested on Sunday in connection with the rape and appeared in the Kuils River Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. He was remanded in custody until October 23 for legal representation to be appointed.
"The rape of 'Baby M' is an outrage against humanity, and another dark stain on the social fabric of our society, but what is even worse is that this is not an isolated incident," Van Schalkwyk said.
He said doctors and social workers had confirmed that babies around nine months old were subjected to child abuse on a daily basis and cases that reached the media were only the tip of the iceberg.
Van Schalkwyk was addressing the media after receiving a briefing from Baby M's doctor and social workers.
The premier was also briefed by the TygerBear Social Work Unit for traumatised children and families on the incidence of child and infant trauma.
62% fear sex abuse
"Childline has estimated that one in three girls and one in five boys are sexually abused before they reach the age of 18 in our country," Van Schalkwyk said.
He said a recent national study by LoveLife confirmed that 65% of young South Africans were worried about their own personal safety, with 62% who listed fear of sexual or physical abuse as a serious concern.
Van Schalkwyk said the case of Baby M supported arguments in favour of a register for sexual offenders being set up.
"It is clear that South Africa needs a more efficient system of public information about sex predators."
He said a register for sexual offenders should specify, at the very least, the current whereabouts and occupation of such offenders. They should be required by law to re-register with the police within 14 days of any change of address.
Van Schalkwyk said a sexual offenders register would assist police to speed up investigations. It would also establish additional legal grounds for holding known offenders, and act as a deterrent to sex offenders aware that their actions were being closely monitored.
The premier also said more funds must be available to the child protection unit.
- SAPA