The former Mpumalanga MEC, Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane, who has been arrested on Monday for allegedly raping his two daughters, had been charged with the same crime in 2011.
“If the amended legislation regarding the National Register of Sex Offenders (NRSO) had been in place, this probably would have never happened,” says Daleen Gouws, spokesperson of Action Society.
The pressure group recently partnered with Dear South Africa (DearSA) to encourage all South Africans to help shape the draft amendments regarding gender-based violence (GBV), before they are signed into law. South Africans have until 9 October to submit their comments and support online, www.dearsouthafrica.co.za/gbv/.
The foreseeable adjustments promises that the names of all rapists will be included on the National Register of Sex Offenders (NRSO), that this register will be made publicly available and that offenders’ names will be kept on the database for a longer period.
“While sex predators are preying on our vulnerable women and children, our patience for government to act on this matter is running out. Your participation to ensure these life-changing proposals are successfully implemented is highly valued. Together we can make history and change the future of the women and children in South Africa,” says Gouws.
Kholwane, who appeared in the Nelspruit magistrate’s court alongside his 26-year-old stepson, will remain after bars until his formal bail application on 1 October.
ISSUED BY: Action Society
DATE: 29 September 2020
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Daleen Gouws,
Spokesperson: Action Society,
Cell: 0812338351
