/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The First Lady of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal Mrs Zodwa Mchunu has expressed outrage following the rape of a six year old girl in Bhekuzulu Township in Vryheid Ward 11.  

Today, the First Lady and senior government officials from the Office of the Premier and various government departments are in Vryheid District Hospital to ensure that the victim and her family are provided with the necessary professional care during this traumatic period.

She remarked with disappointment: - “I am extremely shocked to learn that this young girl is alleged to have been raped by her 31-year old father since she was four years.  Unfortunately, these disgusting news have reached my office during Women’s Month. Our quest for total women emancipation and freedom cannot be complete if our province is plagued by social ills which have become so endemic in our society such as child molestation and rapes.”

 “We have undertaken to intensify the mobilization of various government departments to attend to issues such as the welfare challenges of vulnerable children such as abused and orphaned, youth in distress, homeless children, those from unstable families and those in conflict with the law in order to create safety nets to save them from joining the pool from which hardened criminals recruit.”

“We urge Operation Sukuma Sakhe structures to sustain their work and ensure that vulnerable members of society are assisted. We also commend the police for apprehending the suspect who is scheduled to appear in court on the 21st August 2018 at Vryheid Magistrates Court.”

“While the law is currently taking its cause, we call on communities to stand up and unite in a public display of disapproval of this sheer brutality. The spirit of civic responsibility and pride which leads to citizen, especially the youth, to respect and obey the law and value human lives must be built throughout the province. Without this, reducing social ills will remain a huge challenge.”

“There is a strong role of parents, leaders of society including traditional and religious leaders. The teachings from the family must emphasize human values of respect and caring for a fellow human being. Normal socialization is about creating a human being capable of showing and sharing affection, warmth and friendship. It is such individuals that will create a caring and humane society that we desire.”

Issued by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government Communications