KWAZULU-NATAL police last month secured 39 convictions for sexual offences. This as the world celebrates the annual sexual assault awareness campaign, Red My Lips, set to raise awareness and funds.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Nqobile Gwala said a total of 295 suspects were arrested between 1 and 31 March for sexually related offences, rape, statutory rape, attempted rape, violation of a protection order and child pornography.
What’s more, Gwala said, last month saw the sentencing and conviction of 39 accused in various courts across the province.
“Two life sentences were handed down to two accused each and others were given a total of 415 years imprisonment. Other suspects are still in custody waiting for their cases to be heard at various courts,” he added.
“The dedicated team of detectives have been shuttling to and from the different courts throughout the province in the pursuit to see justice done to several victims of rape and sexual violation,” said Gwala.
“The sentences meted out will serve as a deterrent to some potential rapists that the police, through its FCS units, are leaving no stones unturned,” added the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni.