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The IFP welcomes the conviction and subsequent sentencing of Sbonelo Mkhize, the man found guilty of killing nine-year-old Sadia Sukhraj in a botched hijacking in Shallcross last year to life imprisonment and 15 years for robbery.

Judge Esther Steyn handed down the sentence in the Durban High Court shortly today.

We commend the law enforcement and justice authorities on a job well done by those who worked tirelessly in ensuring that justice prevails and that a strong message and warning is sent to anyone who attempts and commits such a heinous crime in our society.
The IFP commends the courts and it is our hope that judiciary continue meting out sentences befitting the seriousness of the acts of robberies and killings against young children, women, the elderly and the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Safe, secure and vibrant communities are essential to national prosperity. Preventing violence and crime in our communities requires effective policing as well as policies to deal with the root causes of crime.

Therefore, government must be tough on crime. Criminal activities are a real threat to the country and must be eradicated once and for all.
There must be no more ‘deals’, no more plea bargains and no more criminals getting off scot-free.

Currently, the ANC is weak on crime, and even weaker in addressing the root causes of crime.The government must continue to step up its fight against crime – and South Africans should expect to see more tough action throughout the year.

Violent crime is tearing our communities apart and it devastates lives. This is something the government can no longer ignore. It’s time to step up, take responsibility and tackle crime, as well as its causes.

Issued by IFP