Anene Booysen murderer sentence: a landmark case

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster says it is encouraged by the country’s courts, which recently have demonstrated an aggressive stance in addressing the scourge of sexual violence.

The cluster singled out the severe sentences handed down in two prominent cases, the first being the rapist and killer of Anene Booysen who was sentenced to 25 years and secondly the Tholeni serial rapist and killer from Butterworth in the Eastern Cape, who was handed down 25 life terms.

The cluster chairperson and Justice Minister, Jeff Radebe, said government had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards the abuse of women and children.

“Over the past five years, several interventions were introduced to address gender-based violence and sexual offences against vulnerable groups,” the minister said on Wednesday 12 March.

These interventions, he said, included the adoption and ascent of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act and the Child Justice Act, which was passed in 2008.

Government also introduced 176 specialised Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units, which operate throughout the country.

Briefing the media on progress that the cluster has made, Minister Radebe said in support of the investigation of such crimes, 2 139 forensic social workers were appointed.

“These include 79 forensic social workers appointed to assist in cases of sexual abuse perpetrated against children. Government also has established 39 fully functional Thuthuzela Care Centres, which serve as one-stop centres for incidents of rape. Collectively, these interventions have led to 1 194 life sentences during the past three years.”

In order to deal with the secondary victimisation of victims of sexual violence, the cluster introduced 919 victim-friendly facilities at police stations to render support.

Government further has re-introduced the sexual offences courts to ensure that victims of these crimes are able to access justice in a victim-friendly environment.

“We have, since 1994, laid a solid constitutional, legislative, policy and regulatory framework, transforming the repressive.

“With regard to the National Register for Sex Offenders, the number of convicted sex offenders has increased from 2 792 names in March 2013 to 13 216 names in December 2013,” the minister said.

In the month of October 2013 alone, the minister said 3 384 current and historic convictions were registered successfully.

“The convictions affirm that government’s investments are beginning to yield the desired results,” he concluded.