According to the Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, the United Nations (UN) campaign will “heighten” awareness of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in SA.
This campaign is the centre point of the government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the global 16 Days campaign.
“Zero-tolerance approach” to be taken against GBVF
Recently, Cabinet has welcomed the triple life sentence handed down to a rapist and murderer, Mfanasibili Cornelius Mnisi.
“This harsh sentence demonstrates the zero-tolerance approach against GBVF by the criminal justice system,” Gungubele said.
Cabinet reportedly believes that working together with the police and other law-enforcement agencies, will make SA’s communities safer for all.
Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill of 2021 submitted to Parliament
In addition, Cabinet has approved the submission of the Criminal Law Amendment Bill of 2021 to Parliament for processing.
According to Minister Gungubele, the proposed amendments “provide for the mechanism to enforce the taking of buccal samples from cells on the inside of the person’s cheek from people convicted under Schedule 8 offences”.
The Schedule 8 offences include the following:
- Sexual offences
- Robbery
- Human trafficking
- Culpable homicide
“The collected buccal samples will facilitate future prosecutions for re-offenders,” said Gungubele.
Media Statement: SA gears up for 16 Days of Activism