HARSHER SENTENCES
State weighs harsher sentences to punish gender-violence and femicide
SA has one of the highest rates of women murdered by their partners in the world
The government is looking to introduce harsher sentences for sexual offences, femicide and all forms of gender-based violence. SA has one of the highest rates of women murdered by their partners in the world, according to the Cape Town-based Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health. Half of all murders of women are carried out by their partners, according to the centre. Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha said during his budget vote speech in Parliament on Wednesday that it has become necessary to review the Criminal Procedure Act, which prescribes the period within which the state can prosecute persons for allegations of particular categories of crime. "One of the categories in respect of which we intend to abolish the prescribed period of 20 years is sexual offences, femicide and all forms of gender-based violence. The review will also introduce harsher sentences for these offences," said Masutha. "Further to combat these heinous crimes, we continue to...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.