IFP: Statement by Liezl van der Merwe, IFP Member of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Children and People with Disabilities, condemning the rape of the elderly (31/07/2012)

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Published: 31 Jul 2012

IFP: Statement by Liezl van der Merwe, IFP Member of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Children and People with Disabilities, condemning the rape of the elderly (31/07/2012)

The IFP condemns recent incidents of rape in Swayimani, KwaZulu Natal, where
elderly women have become the target of attack.

"Within the space of a week, two elderly women have been raped in
Swayimani," said IFP MP, Ms Liezl van der Merwe. "One is 84, the other 94."

It has been confirmed that one of the perpetrators is a convict enjoying
early release through President Jacob Zuma's Special Remissions Programme.

"The courts say this man should be in prison. Instead, he is raping a
94 year old in front of her great-grandsons. Where is the justice?"
asked van der Merwe.

But there is no answer from the Presidency.

South Africa's justice system has again been mocked, ending in extreme
cruelty and savage trauma.

"The IFP questions why the President refuses to allow Correctional Services
to keep convicted felons behind bars. They are there because they have been
judged to be a danger to society. Do we need any more evidence than this?"
asked van der Merwe.

The IFP urges Government to protect women and children from such horrific
crimes. Our most vulnerable citizens have become easy targets of rapists and
criminals because of their economic realities and Government policies.

"We hope that these women are receiving treatment for sexually transmitted
infections and that both they and their great-grandchildren are receiving
counseling," said van der Merwe, adding "and the Presidency should foot the
bill."