Pretoria - Government has welcomed the North Gauteng High Court’s sentencing of Johan Kotze, dubbed the ‘Modimolle Monster’, who received two life sentences and 25-years imprisonment.
Kotze's sentence comprises a life sentence for the murder of Conrad Bonnette, and another for raping his former wife Ina Bonnette. He was also sentenced to 25-years for the kidnaping and assault of Ina Bonnette.
His accomplices, Andries Sithole, Pieta Mohlane and Frans Mphara also received a life sentence each.
Acting GCIS CEO, Nebo Legoabe commended the police and the judicial system for their tireless efforts in ensuring that justice has been served.
“These brutal acts are degrading, disrespectful and infringed the rights of Ina Bonnette. This case sends out a stern warning that Government will remain steadfast in its commitment to combat the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence.
“The sentencing is a clear indication that perpetrators of violence against women and children will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Our courts deal harshly with perpetrators found guilty of violence, including sexual violence. It is not uncommon for courts to impose long or life sentences on such perpetrators,” said Legoabe.
She added “that the scourge of women abuse and gender violence will never be allowed to define who we are and what we stand for as a country.
“South Africa is a democratic country governed by a Constitution that is anchored on a vision that promotes human dignity, human rights and freedom”.
Government has put in place systems such as the Constitution, supporting legislation, policies and programmes aimed at fighting crime in the country.
Legoabe encouraged communities to work together with police, prosecutors and courts to make sure that criminals are arrested and convicted of crimes.
Meanwhile, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa hopes that Kotze’s sentence will serve as a warning to all the perpetrators of gender violence that their acts will be severely punished.
He said a thorough and meticulous investigation conducted by the South African Police Service detective team has ensured that Kotze and his co-accused received life sentences.
“The convictions in this case indicate that our investments are beginning to yield the desired results. We are therefore immensely proud of our members’ contribution to the successful convictions in this regard,” said Mthethwa.
He added that the ministry is in a process of channeling police resources and capacitating detectives, so that police do not only arrest those who are on the wrong side of the law, but mainly secure convictions.
“ In order to achieve these objectives, we needed to re-enforce our detective and investigative arms,” said Mthethwa, adding that currently all members of the police are introduced to basic detective work, whether in the final analysis they end up operating as detectives or not. – SAnews.gov.za
