Child marriage case continues as CGE Lim keeps a watchful eye

LIMPOPO – THE Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) Limpopo is playing a watchdog role over a child-marriage court case that resumed trial in the Mokerong district court last week, after a delay of nearly two years resulting from postponement by defence attorneys.

The case received wide media attention back in 2013 when a 57-year-old sangoma from Masehlaneng village in Mokopane was accused of marrying a 13-year-old.

According to provincial legal advisor at CGE Limpopo, Dennis Matotoka, they were monitoring the case to ensure restoration of the child’s dignity and to send a strong message to society that child marriages would not be tolerated in a democracy.

Matotoka said the commission was working in partnership with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) because they had a responsibility in monitoring gender cases; especially those involving children.

“This case is related to the practise of ukuthwala in KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape where children are abducted, trafficked and raped into marriages.

“We are monitoring the case closely to ensure a fair and a successful conviction and also to keep an eye on the impartiality of the court,” Matotoka said.

Matotoka said he was so far satisfied with the fairness shown in court when the trial resumed last Tuesday, during which the magistrate reprimanded the defence attorney for intimidating the victim.

“The magistrate stopped the defence because its questions to the victim were too tricky considering her level of thinking at that age.

“We want to see if the accused’s customary rights to marry will supersede children’s rights,” Matotoka explained.

CGE national spokes-person Javu Baloyi said the marriage was just another form of ukuthwala.

He promised to petition the court and report the matter to the department of social development, police and NPA if they were dissatisfied with the court’s decision.

“I am convinced that no court in South Africa will ever support the marriage of a child because this practise is against our Constitution.

“We condemn the marriage of children in the strongest terms be-cause it is abusive and disadvantageous to the children.”

Psychological support manager at Childline Limpopo, Riette van der Linde encouraged citizens to report suspicions of child marriages, child abuse, child rape or child neglect to Childline.

“We have a problem where people do not want to get involved in reporting child abuse cases.

“What people must know is that it is a criminal offence to conceal any knowledge of child abuse, child rape or child neglect,” warned Van der Linde.

She said Childline was available to assist to ensure safety of children.

“We offer therapeutic counselling to children going through any difficulties from behavioural issues to rape. We always assist with therapy or lead victims to proper places of assistance,” she said

The case was postponed on Monday to April 14 to give the state and the defence time to strengthen their cases.

Childline Limpopo can be contacted at 0800 055 555 or visited online at their website www.childlinelim.org.za.