Violence against women and children is totally intolerable and everything must be done to ensure that perpetrators receive the punishment they deserve.
On Thursday 23 Novermber 2023, a 25-year-old rapist was sentenced in the Gqeberha Regional court to life imprisonment for the rape of a 14-year-old teen from NU 29 in Motherwell. On 05 September 2021, the accused, Lazola Buwa, went to the victim’s house looking for her mother and when he realised that the mother was not home, he raped the 14-year-old.
A case of rape was opened and Buwa was arrested the following day by Detective Sergeant Kelibone Mokhatla from the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Gqeberha. At the time, he was released on R1000 bail.
On 23 November 2023, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata welcomed the sentencing especially as the country observes 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children. ’Sexual violence is a persistent problem, and it does not only violate human rights but also leaves deep psychological and emotional scars on their victims. Sentencing such as this, is encouraging as it clearly indicates that members of the SAPS including the FCS units are working hard to tackle crimes against women and children, as this remains one of our priorities,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.
