Xingwana condemns rape of children

(Image: GCIS)

"We have noted with serious concern the report of the six-week-old baby raped by the uncle; the four-year-old boy raped by a 17-year-old teenager; the rape of an elderly woman whilst fetching firewood from the veld and the rape and murder of a child in the Western Cape.

"These perpetrators are praying on the defenceless members of our society - older women and children. These acts can only be committed by very sick people.

"We therefore appeal to government institutions, community leaders, religious, counsellors, etc., to strengthen our support for the victims and their families at this trying time.

"As government, we will ensure that we leave no stone unturned to ensure that these perpetrators get no bail whilst awaiting trial and are given harsher sentences. These crimes will under no circumstances be tolerated and this is totally unacceptable," said Xingwana.

She commended the police for the arrests of the perpetrators and further commended communities for their calmness and for allowing the law to take its course. She thanked communities for playing their part in reporting these crimes.