349 arrested for sexual offences in KZN

The arrests had been made by the police’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FSC) units, Zululand Observer reported.

Suspects were booked on charges including kidnapping, assault, domestic violence, abduction, sexual assault, assault, robbery, attempted murder and rape.

Colonel Jay Naicker confirmed 51 suspects were convicted by various courts in the province for sex-related offences.

“Six life sentences and a total of 412 years of imprisonment were handed down by courts during the past month,” Naicker said.

“Once again our justice system has emerged victorious,” Mchunu said. “We applaud the decisions of the courts, as it sends a clear message to criminals that they do not have a place in our society. I welcome the swift sentences that have been meted out, and I am sure others who think of committing these crimes will think twice.”

Mchunu commended police and prosecutors for bringing suspects to justice with speed and swiftness and urged them to continue with the good work. These included two elderly men aged 76 and 84, who are due in the Richards Bay District Court on charges of rape.

The 76-year-old allegedly picked up underage boys in Mzingazi and paid them for sexual favours. The names of the offenders are being withheld until they have formally entered pleas.

In another case, two minors aged 14 and 15 have been convicted of rape in the Richards Bay Regional Court and sentenced to 24 months’ correctional supervision.

– Caxton News Service