Minister launches sexual offences court

As part of commemorating the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Advocate Michael Masutha, officially launched the Sekgosese Sexual Offences Court on Friday.

VICTIMS: Some of the victims of sexual offences and abuse who are now volunteers at the organization called Move for Transformation also told their stories through drama during the launch of the Sekgosese Sexual Offences Court.

Sexual offences courts were reintroduced by the Department in August 2013 to provide specialized support services to victims of sexual offences, decrease turnaround times for finalization of sexual offence cases and improve conviction rates in these cases.

Speaking at the launch, Masutha said government has a determined goal of promoting a justice system that is victim –friendly, efficient and sensitive to the needs of victims of sexual offences.

He said government was encouraged by the conviction rate of sexual offences, which now stands at 73% but also called on the youth to play a role in protecting the fundamental rights of women and children.

“The highest prevalence of violent crimes occurs among the youth. Incidents of abuse of substance are prevalent amongst young people. Young people, ultimately it is in your hands – do you want to be a beacon of hope or a symbol of terror in your community. Fight for your family, fight for your community, fight for your country,” said Masutha.

It was the testimony of Marietjie Bothma and the other victims of sexual offences that brought many in the tents to tears.

Marietjie Bothma, also known as the Zulu-speaking King Pie lady told the crowd that she had a difficult childhood including being raped at the age of two. “I was raped at two years by my adopted father who was also a minister and for 16 years every day.

At the age of 16, I ended up on the streets of Hillbrow. One night on August 13, 2002, I got raped by eight men, and the lady I was staying with in the street was stabbed 37 times. I went through 18 operations, and was told that I will never have children,” she said.

Bothma urged women and victims of sexual abuse to make use of the sexual offences court to find justice. “I believe am a survivor because after such things many don’t survive – we have to go and bury them. Once you go to the courts and face your perpetrators and justice gets served, that makes you the over comer. The justice system is there to help us,” she said.

The Sekgosese Sexual Offences Court is the 50th to be launched in South Africa.

UNVEILING: Councillor Edward Paya with Justice Minister Michael Masutha unveiling the symbolic plaque at the launch of Sekgosese Sexual Offences Court at Morebeng village on Friday.

MOTIVATIONAL: Marietjie Bothma, also known as the Zulu-speaking King Pie lady gave a motivational talk to victims of abuse and sexual offences during the launch.