Pretoria - The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster has welcomed the Gauteng High Court’s land marking ruling in the case against Eke Ugochukwu.
On 13 March, Ugochukwu was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on charges of trafficking a 15-year-old girl and forcing her into prostitution in Rosettenville two years ago.
The precedent setting case is the first conviction in Gauteng, in terms of section 4(1) of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013, which came into effect in August 2015.
The law deals comprehensively with human trafficking in all its various forms and it provides for the protection and assistance of victims of trafficking.
“Government remains committed to ensuring that all South Africans are and feel safe. This atrocious behaviour will not be tolerated in South Africa. The wheels of justice have turned in this case and the JCPS Cluster continues to echo the call for 2017 to be the year of unity in action by all South Africans as … we move South Africa forward.
“Through various pieces of legislation and policies, government is committed to ensuring the safety of children. However, it is also imperative that parents and society be cognisant of the roles that they need to play in protecting children and in exposing any suspected child abuse activities or child exploitation.
“Government calls on members of the public to partner with government in creating a safer and healthier environment for our communities to thrive,” said Siphiwe Dlamini, chair of the JCPS Communication Cluster.
Members of the public are advised to call the gender based violence toll free number, 0800 428 428, to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling. – SAnews.gov.za
