Pretoria - Government has welcomed the nine life sentences handed to Ntokozo Hadebe by the North Gauteng High Court on Wednesday.
The High Court on Wednesday found Hadebe guilty of kidnapping, raping and murdering three toddlers - Anelisa Mkhonto (5), Yonelisa (2) and Zandile Mali (3) - in Diepsloot late last year.
The court also sentence Hadebe to 15 more years behind bars.
Acting Director-General at the Department of Communications, Donald Liphoko, said: “This sentencing is a clear indication that government will not tolerate crime against children.
“We applaud the South African judicial system and law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts in ensuring that justice is served.”
Liphoko said combatting crime and the scourge of women and child abuse remains the government’s priority.
“The Constitution and supporting pieces of legislation specifically aimed at protecting women and children are some of the mechanisms that have been put in place by government to root out crime in the country.
“Government encourages communities to play their part by continually reporting any act of criminality to their local police stations. We call on all South Africans to partner with government in creating a safer and healthier space for our communities to thrive,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
