Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma says Government is looking to mete out tougher punishment to those involved in violent crimes such as rape and murder.
“[For] those who exercise violence, we need special courts to ensure that justice is meted out to them as speedy as possible,” he said, speaking at a New Age/SABC Breakfast Briefing in Cape Town on Friday.
He said government was “seriously thinking” of organising a summit on the “moral decay” of the country and on violence.
Zuma’s comments come in the wake of the recent gang rape and murder of a Western Cape teenager Anene Booysen. The case against the accused men is still before the courts.
“We believe all of us need to talk about this…we are going to establish special courts to deal with these elements,” Zuma said.
He said law enforcement agencies had been ordered to prioritise cases of rape and murder against women and children.
The President also called for an end to the rampant use of violence during strikes. He said there were other peaceful ways workers could address their grievances and get the attention of government.
“People have an obligation to respect other people and their property…if you know you have a right to protest, you must know that other citizens have rights too. To kill and destroy is wrong.”
Zuma felt strongly about the actions of some protestors including those who blocked roads with rocks, adding that authorities would take action against such people. – SAnews.gov.za
