Court ruling on ukuthwala case, tennis coach

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Pretoria-  Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Susan Shabangu, has welcomed as significant, rulings made by the courts on Monday on two separate cases - one for ukuthwala and another involving former tennis coach Bob Hewitt.

The department of Women on Thursday said the full bench of the appeal court in the Western Cape High Court rejected the appeal by the 33-year-old Mvumeleni Jezile, who was last year sentenced to 22 years imprisonment at the Wynberg Regional Court in the ukuthwala case.

Jezile was convicted for three counts of rape, one count of human trafficking and one count of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

His conviction followed after he forcefully married a 14-year-old girl from the Eastern Cape in 2009, who was in Grade 7 at the time.

Bob Hewitt

Meanwhile, the Palm Ridge High Court found former tennis coach, Bob Hewitt, guilty of raping and sexually assaulting girls that he was coaching in South Africa 30 years ago. Sentencing will take place on 17 April in the Pretoria High Court.

Minister Shabangu said both decisions of the courts were made during a month when government is re-emphasising the fact that women’s rights are human rights.

“[The decisions of the court} are significant in that on the one hand they send a message that cultural practices can no longer be used to violate the rights of women and children, and thus perpetuate inequalities in our society.

“On the other, this serves as a deterrent to other perpetrators that the arm of the law is not short and time will not erase the crime committed, and that they will ultimately face the might of the law,” said Shabangu.

Minister Shabangu said government is pleased that justice has finally been served and South Africa’s justice system and law enforcement agencies have, through hard work and dedication, proven that government will not tolerate abuse and violence against women and children in the country.

“Government would continue in its endeavours to ensure that the democratic rights of women and children are protected. South Africans can and must do more to stop rape, human trafficking and all forms of abuse,” said Minister Shabangu.

She urged citizens to work together with government to transform existing gender relations in their families and communities.

Victims of violence and abuse, including harmful cultural practices, are encouraged to make use of the Department of Social Development’s 24-hour call centre, which is dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence.

Victims can call the toll free number 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker. Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialing *120*7867# (free) from a cell phone.-SAnews.gov.za