Pretoria – Government has welcomed the 20-year sentence handed down to Thato Kutumela in the North Gauteng High Court for the murder and rape of his pregnant girlfriend, Zanele Khumalo in April 2011.
Kutumela was found guilty in November last year of murdering and raping Khumalo who was five months pregnant. She was found dead at her parents’ home in Garsfontein, Pretoria east, in April 2011.
Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) CEO, Harold Maloka, said in a statement on Friday that the sentencing served as a deterrent to other perpetrators and “was a clear demonstration that the wheels of justice in South Africa are continuously turning”.
“Government will not tolerate violence against women and children and commends the judicial system and law enforcement agencies for its tireless efforts in ensuring that justice in this case is served.”
Acting CEO Maloka said government would continue to protect women and children’s constitutional rights, and had put in place systems such as the Constitution, supporting legislation specifically aimed at protecting women and children, and policies and programmes aimed at fighting crime in the country.
This week saw the launch of the pilot phase of the Command Centre on Gender-Based Violence which is aimed at providing immediate psychological assistance and referral to victims affected by gender-based violence and to assist them in avoiding additional exposure to violence.
The command centre forms part of the five-year programme of action plan, developed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee, to investigate the root causes of gender-based violence.
“As South Africa celebrates its 20 Years of Freedom, let us recognise the constitutional rights of women and children, and be cognisant that gender-based violence is a criminal offence that has substantial impact on social cohesion and resilience of communities.
“Government alone cannot eradicate this scourge that threatens to destroy our communities. We call on all South Africans and sectors of our society to partner with government in creating a safer and healthier space for our communities to thrive,” said Acting CEO Maloka.
The 24-hour call centre is dedicated to provide support and counselling to victims of Gender-Based Violence.
Victims of violence and abuse are encouraged to use the toll free number 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counseling.
Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from a cell phone. – SAnews.gov.za
