The government has welcomed Monday’s Gauteng high court judgment in the case against the parents found guilty of abusing Nicole Smith (3) over a long period of time.
Nicole died after her mother gave her a blow to the head more than a decade ago.
Acting government communication and information system CEO Phumla Williams said the mother of the little girl, Welmarie Smith, received life in prison for murder and additional 25 years for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
WMC media won't show you this satanic characters…#WelmarieSmith (39) who tortured her 3-year-old child Nicole. She was sentenced to life and further 25 years in jail by the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. pic.twitter.com/cmHxfzJgNN
— Uncle Sammy🇿🇦 (@MashSammy) April 29, 2019
“Nicole’s biological father, Willem Smith, received a 25 year jail sentence for assaulting the child. He was not at their then Springs flat on the day Nicole died,” said Williams.
Her x husband, #WillemSmith (40), Nicole’s biological father, was convicted of assaulting the child and he too, received a 25-year jail sentence. pic.twitter.com/ZnhJs99Di9
— Uncle Sammy🇿🇦 (@MashSammy) April 29, 2019
“It is with great sadness that little Nicole had to endure such heinous crimes against her by her own parents. We are appealing to adults to refrain from causing harm to children. We can and must do more to protect the lives of children.”
The government called on all South Africans and sectors to partner with it in creating a safer and healthier environment for children to thrive, and together take South Africa forward.
“Through various pieces of legislation and policies, government is committed to ensuring the safety of children, however, it is also vital that parents and society be cognisant of the roles that they need to play in protecting children and in exposing any suspected child abuse activities or child exploitation.
ALSO READ: Police visit Salvokop homes to discuss domestic and child abuse
“It is important that all people familiarise themselves with the children act, and treat and protect all children from all forms of harm and danger. It is time for society to stand up for our children and protect them by immediately reporting abuse, neglect and exploitation of children,” Williams said.
She urged individuals to speak up and not be afraid of victimisation, as there were a number of ways to report child crimes anonymously.
To report violence and abuse against children, the public was urged to use the following numbers:
SAPS Crime Stop: 08600-10111
SMS Crime Line: 32211
Department of Social Development 24-hour Command Centre: 0800-428-428 (toll-free).
CRIME HAS NO RACE.#Justice4NicoleSmithIsServed
@NotInMyNameSA— Uncle Sammy🇿🇦 (@MashSammy) April 29, 2019
Callers can also request a social worker from the command centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone.
Child Welfare South Africa: 0861-424-453 / 011-452-4110.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
