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The IFP in the KZN Legislature,as the Official Opposition, says heads must roll after a two year toddler is alleged to have been raped in a creche in Ntshongweni.

This inhumane act has defiled the dignity and psychological well-being of this child. We urge the KZN MEC for Social Development, Nonhlanhla Khoza to impress upon social workers to provide every support to the child and her family. This incident further raises questions about the safety of toddlers in this as well as other creches. There has to be a thorough investigation into compliance with required standards of safety measures like any other institution of learning.

As the IFP we are against any form of child and women abuse and violation of their rights. No rapist should get away lightly. We call for tougher punishment or life imprisonment for rapists, so as to halt the continuous assault on the girl-child and women. Government should also immensely intensify efforts in the fight against increasing cases of rape in communities in order to save the lives and dignity of young girls facing daily attack by rapists in the country.

We can no longer sit back and wait for the “16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children” campaign to start before we speak out about sexual violence. Rapists do not give women and children any chance as they do prey on them every day of the year. The protection of women and children must be a 365 days project and not for specific days. 

We are of the firm view that most cases of child rape is a result of unfounded beliefs and superstitions where some men believe that when one is HIV positive, they have to have sex with a young virgin child and then the HIV will disappears. This is a fallacy that needs to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

The IFP calls on the police to work around the clock to apprehend the perpetrator. Rape cases must be prioritised even by courts. Chronic delays of rape cases destroys community faith injustice, as witnesses sometimes withdraw and refuse to testify. Parents and relatives who accept bribes from rapists to cover up the rape of their children must also be arrested and held accountable. 

Issued by the Inkatha Freedom Party