356 life sentences handed down to 266 sexual offences perpetrators
"While these convictions won't bring back those we lost, we hope that these life sentences will serve as a deterrent to those who continue to take advantage of our innocent women, children and vulnerable groups," - General Khehla John Sitole.
A TOTAL of 356 life sentences were handed down to 266 sexual offences perpetrators in the last year.
This is according to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS).
According to SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, from office of the National Commissioner, members of the specialised unit, charged with the responsibility of putting perpetrators of crimes against women, children and vulnerable groups behind bars, continue to make inroads by working tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrators.
“While the conviction of 1733 accused will not bring back those who died at the hands of their perpetrators or erase the memories that still haunt survivors of these crimes, these convictions are a step in the right direction in arresting such forms of criminality in society,” said Colonel Mathe.
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“To the detectives, who often work long hours in investigating these crimes, we say thank you. Your hard work and persistence under difficult circumstances does not go unnoticed. The SAPS acknowledges the extra hours you have put in and the sacrifices you made while spending time away from your families to ensure that the communities you serve is safe,” said Mathe.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Khehla John Sitole has also praised the officers for their commitment in the fight against FCS related crimes.
“While these convictions won’t bring back those we lost, we hope that these life sentences will serve as a deterrent to those who continue to take advantage of our innocent women, children and vulnerable groups,” he said.
In the past year the following successes were achieved:
- 356 life imprisonment sentences were handed down to 266 accused.
- 5008 20-year sentences were handed down to 189 accused.
- 487 accused received 8166 sentences ranging from 10 to 19 years imprisonment.
- 791 accused were handed down 3717 sentences ranging from 1 to 9 years imprisonment.
