High time that we conduct a referendum on the death penalty
THE UDM Women’s Organisation (Udemwo) is disheartened by violence against women and children taking place throughout South Africa.
Uyinene Mrwetyana, a young girl with a bright future, was deprived of an opportunity to achieve her goals and dreams; she didn’t just die, she was brutally murdered.
Jeighandre Jegels, a boxing champion from the Eastern Cape, was also killed by her police officer boyfriend. The body of a young woman who was raped and murdered was discovered yesterday on school premises at KwaMashu, north of Durban.
Udemwo calls on the government to stop gambling with young women’s lives.
Just two years ago, we lost Karabo Mokoena and nothing was done. The government had to wait for the next victims to act as if they care.
In the case of Mrwetyana, it is alleged that the perpetrator has a criminal record, which takes us back to the call made by Udemwo that government departments should work in synergy.
Early paroles dished out to criminals perpetuate criminal acts against women and children.
Women and children go missing daily, simply because they are not protected by the government.
They are soft targets for the perpetrators. The state security agencies are to blame – they do not seem to have a plan to fight and curb the scourge.
As much as some of these crime offenders face jail time, it seems this type of sentence does not act as a deterrent factor. Udemwo believes it is high time that a referendum is conducted to determine whether the death penalty should be brought back or our courts will continue to mete out sentences that are not effective.
Women and children deserve better and the government must make it a point that they are protected 24 hours a day wherever they are, in their homes or streets.
Udemwo is calling on the government and relevant departments to effectively prioritise the safety of women and children.
The government must stop this habit of quickly sending condolences to the families of the victims and instead act swiftly in apprehending and putting the perpetrators behind bars. THANDI NONTENJA UDM National Treasurer