Select Committee on Justice Chairperson Welcomes 8 Life Terms for Rape of Businesswoman
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, Ms Jane Mananiso, welcomed the long-term sentence, of eight life terms, for convicted rapist Mr Moses Gqesha.
Mr Gqesha's charges included kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, theft, and multiple counts of rape to a gender-based violence activist, Ms Andisiwe Andy Kawa on 9 December 2010, at King's Beach in Summerstrand, Gqeberha. Mr Gqesha was arrested in 2020 for an unrelated incident and forensic evidence taken from Ms Kawa in 2010 linked him to the rape.
'Firstly, we want to applaud the South African Police Services for safeguarding the forensic evidence taken from Ms Kawa in 2010, that linked the rapist later to these heinous crimes. It was because of this act that this criminal will not face years behind bars and pay for his crimes,' said Ms Mananiso.
'Furthermore, we want to commend the National Prosecuting Authority for a successful prosecution especially because the accused denied the charges even after he was linked with forensic evidence. This is truly commendable.
'In a country that experienced high rates of gender-based violence and femicide, this is a victory for those thousands of women either still struggling for justice and those who fear speaking up against perpetrators. This is a sign that the wheels of justice do indeed turn,' emphasized Ms Mananiso.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
21 hours ago
- Zawya
South Africa: Turkcell opposes MTN's Constitutional Court appeal in $4.2bln Iran licence case
Court to decide whether long-running dispute proceeds to trial in South Africa. Turkcell's subsidiary, East Asian Consortium B.V. (EAC), has filed papers opposing MTN's application to the Constitutional Court for leave to appeal a recent Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling. The SCA judgment, handed down in April, confirmed that South African courts have jurisdiction to hear EAC's $4.2bn civil claim against MTN over an allegedly tainted telecom licence in Iran. Background to the dispute The case relates to Turkcell's long-standing allegations that MTN and its former executives used bribery to secure a GSM licence in Iran that was initially awarded to Turkcell in the early 2000s. MTN has denied wrongdoing. Turkcell's filing is the latest development in a case that has seen years of procedural delays and jurisdictional challenges. Arguments against MTN's appeal In its submission, Turkcell argues that MTN is attempting to delay proceedings and avoid a trial. The company also questions MTN's ongoing reliance on the Hoffmann Report—an internal investigation commissioned by its board—as evidence of exoneration, saying it lacked the independence and transparency of a court process. Turkcell further rejects MTN's argument that Iranian courts would offer a fair and appropriate venue for the dispute. Next steps The Constitutional Court must now decide whether to grant MTN leave to appeal. A decision is expected within three months. Turkcell is represented by Vasco de Oliveira Incorporated, with counsel Alistair Franklin SC and J.J. Meiring. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
President Ramaphosa meets with Judiciary to strengthen South Africa's justice system
President Cyril Ramaphosa supported by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Minister Andries Nel, today hosted a high-level engagement with Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and Heads of Court at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President's official residence in Pretoria. This important engagement brought together the Executive and the Judiciary to reaffirm their shared commitment to building a stronger, more effective justice system, firmly anchored in the values of South Africa's Constitution. Also in attendance were Ministers Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency, Enoch Godongwana, Minister of Finance, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi Minister of Public Service and Administration, and Dean Macpherson Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya was supported by senior members of the Judiciary, including, Justice Mahube Molemela, President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Judge Presidents, Cagney Musi of the Free State Division of the High Court, Dunstan Mlambo of the Gauteng Division and Pule Tlaletsi of the Northern Cape Division. The meeting built on prior engagements between Chief Justice Maya and Minister Kubayi, who is spearheading a multi-departmental initiative to address critical issues that have been raised by the Judiciary. In collaboration with the Ministers of Finance, Public Works and Infrastructure, and Public Service and Administration, Minister Kubayi has prioritised improvements in court infrastructure, human resources, security, and judicial independence. "Within the principle of the separation of powers, each arm of the State has a responsibility to cooperate with, and provide support to, the other arms of the State in giving full effect to our Constitution. It requires, in particular, that we create conditions in which each arm of the State can fulfill their respective mandates without hindrance. It is an opportunity to develop common approaches on issues that are critical to the effective functioning of the Judiciary. At the core of our deliberations is our shared commitment to safeguarding and entrenching the independence of the Judiciary and ensuring that it has the space and means to administer justice", said President Ramaphosa. Key discussions focused on advancing the process to ensure institutional independence and unification of a single judiciary, and enhancing the capacity of the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, and High Courts. President Ramaphosa and Chief Justice Maya, welcomed the collaborative tone of the engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement between the Executive and the Judiciary. "This meeting is significant in that it happened days before we are due to host dignitaries of the judiciary from across the globe, to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of the Constitutional Court on the 20th of this month," added Chief Justice Maya. Today's engagement marks a renewed determination to transform South Africa's justice sector into one that is resilient, secure, and accessible to all. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
South Africa and Finland launch groundbreaking Youth Peace Mediators Mentoring Programme
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, today launched the South African leg of the South Africa-Finland Youth Peace Mediators Mentoring Programme. This pioneering initiative, co-implemented by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, aims to empower a new generation of peacebuilders to advance global conflict resolution and sustainable peace. Programme Objectives The one-year capacity-building project will create a dynamic network of young peace mediators, equipping them with practical tools to contribute effectively to peace negotiation, mediation, conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. The programme directly supports: United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (Youth, Peace and Security). African Union Agenda 2063 (particularly its youth-focused governance, peace, and security pillars). The inclusion of youth in formal peace processes worldwide. A Fitting Tribute during Youth Month Minister Lamola highlighted the symbolic significance of launching the programme during South Africa's Youth Month, which honours the legacy of young activists in the struggle against apartheid, notably the heroes of the 1976 Soweto Uprising: 'We know too well that ethnic hatred poisons communities, that religious intolerance fractures societies and that ideological fanaticism suffocates debate. When violence rises, freedoms crumble and the very light of democracy flickers under the storm of conflict. This is not some distant tragedy; it is the lived reality of women and children in Eastern DRC, Sudan, Gaza and other places across our wounded world. By building bridges across continents, we reaffirm that young people are not merely beneficiaries of peace — they are essential agents of its creation.' Programme Structure Fifteen (15) exceptional young peacebuilders — jointly selected by DIRCO's Diplomatic Academy and Finland's Centre for Peace Mediation — will participate in: In-person workshops in South Africa and Finland, Study visits to the United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) headquarters, Online expert sessions on thematic areas of peace mediation. Participants represent nations in conflict, post-conflict societies and global peacebuilding leaders, including: South Africa, Finland, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Qatar, South Sudan, Türkiye, and Ukraine. Strengthening International Partnerships Aligned with the South Africa-Finland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the programme: Advances a strategic peace mediation partnership between the two countries, Fosters networking and knowledge-sharing among young peace mediators, Provides mentorship by seasoned international peace practitioners. Minister Lamola said this initiative underscores South Africa's role in shaping inclusive, youth-driven solutions to global challenges — ensuring that the voices of the next generation define the future of peace. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
