Pretoria - Government has welcomed the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court sentencing of Modise Motapane, who was handed two life sentences and an additional seven years behind bars for the rape and murder of Keabetswe Tshabalala in September last year.
Four-year-old Keabetswe’s body was found by her relatives in an abandoned building in Katlehong, Johannesburg.
Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) CEO Phumla Williams said: “We commend the law enforcement agencies and judicial system for their dedicated effort to ensuring that justice is served.
“This sentencing clearly demonstrates that government will not tolerate such vile criminal acts and remains committed to ensuring that children feel and are safe.”
Williams said this sentencing served as a deterrent to those who threaten the safety of children, adding that the courts will deal harshly with perpetrators found guilty of these deeds.
The South African Police Service and the court system are empowered under the Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Offences Act and Children’s Act to arrest, prosecute and convict perpetrators of violence against women and children.
Williams urged South Africans to play their part by reporting any criminal activity to their local police stations. – SAnews.gov.za
