Reinstate the death penalty — IFP

It is with deep sadness that our country finds itself at a crossroads where women and young girls are facing war on our streets.

It is with a heavy heart that, on behalf of the IFP, I extend our sincerest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the recent victims of rape, murder and abuse.

As a father and husband, the recent spate of killings and rape across the country, in particular during Women’s Month has had a profound impact on me and my family.

Therefore, the IFP will re-table a motion in Parliament to debate the reinstatement of the death penalty as a deterrent to heinous crimes nationally. The killing and raping of women who in fact make up the backbone of our society is unacceptable.

The tragic rapes and killings of 19-year-old UCT student, Uyinene Mrwetyana and a 14-year-old who was raped and found with her head bashed in in her grandmother’s yard is chilling and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

It appears that the justice system, in trying to hand down harsher sentences, has not stopped or sent out a clear message to monsters who prey on vulnerable women, young girls and children.

The moral degradation we see today must be addressed, as we cannot allow ongoing attacks against women to take place in the South Africa we envisage for all of us to live in. Women and children must be and feel safe.

Indeed, we need a national discourse among all men who believe in good to stand up against the violence against women.

In doing our part, the IFP will establish various Men’s Fora in all our party structures to drive a grassroots movement to address the root causes and create greater awareness of femicide and the role men play in fighting the scourge of violence. We encourage all organised bodies and political parties to follow suit.

The tragic killings must stop. The reinstatement of the death penalty will certainly send out a message that if anyone dares to rape or take the life of a women or a child, justice will take theirs!