Latest news with #SexualOffencesandRelatedMattersAmendmentAct
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Eldorado Park father accused of raping, killing daughter in court
The mother of a four-year-old girl who was allegedly raped and murdered by her father could not hold back her tears as she appeared in the Protea magistrate's court on Tuesday. The mother, who was visibly emotional, appeared on a charge of defeating the ends of justice. The couple appeared in court separately in connection with their daughter's rape and murder. 'The father was charged with murder, rape, compelled rape, child abuse and assault, while the mother of the deceased was charged on a separate docket, with failure to immediately report a sexual offence against a minor child,' National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said. The father was arrested on Wednesday after a report to the Eldorado Park police following a video in which the child can be heard screaming as she is assaulted went viral. 'Following further investigations, the mother was also arrested. It is alleged that the mother of the deceased knew about the sexual assault but failed to report to the authorities, as per duty in terms of the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act,' Mjonondwane said. A neighbour is said to have heard the child screaming from the couple's home and, on arrival, found the father allegedly beating the child and captured the incident on a phone. 'The video was circulated, leading to police being summoned to the scene.' During his arrest, his daughter was found injured and bleeding. She was taken to the hospital but later died from her injuries. They were both remanded in custody until August 18 for them to apply for bail. 'The recent spike in parents facing allegations of killing and abusing their children is of grave concern to the NPA, and we remain resolute in our efforts to promote children's rights and safety. Our children are dependent on us to be their voice, and we will stop at nothing to ensure that justice prevails,' Mjonondwane said.
TimesLIVE
20-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
Three underage girls pregnant: Statutory rape under investigation
North West police are investigating three cases of statutory rape after being alerted to the pregnancies of three girls aged 14, 15 and 16. The girls visited a clinic unaccompanied by their parents, which raised suspicion and concerns from health professionals about possible breaches of duty of care by their guardians, police said. The Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act broadens the crime of rape and prohibits acts of consensual sexual violation in some cases as statutory sexual assault. A preliminary investigation revealed all three girls have been involved in consensual intimate relationships and unprotected sex with their boyfriends that led to all three falling pregnant. A police spokesperson said: "The 14-year-old was impregnated by a 17-year-old, the 16-year-old by an 18-year-old and the age of the 15-year-old girl's boyfriend is yet to be verified. "The case dockets will be referred to the public prosecutor for decisions."
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Nearly 3% of school staff flagged for criminal activity
Despite being slightly lower than the previous year, the statistics still indicate that 1 in every 34 school employees had a criminal record. Almost 3% of South African school staff screened for employment between March 2024 and February 2025 were flagged for criminal activity. This is according to new data released by TPN, a leading provider of background screening services. The figures raise serious questions about the rigour of vetting procedures in schools and come as the Department of Justice pushes for phased public access to the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). 'Between March 2024 and February 2025, 2.95% of school staff screened through TPN's systems were flagged for possible illicit activity,' said Ashleigh Laurent, Legal Counsel at TPN. 'This includes not just educators, but also grounds staff, temporary hires, coaches, and others in contact with minors. While slightly lower than the 3.08% recorded the previous year, the statistic still means that 1 in every 34 individuals working at schools had a criminal record. Convictions include assault, theft, and murder Of those flagged, 1.22% had criminal records related to abuse or sexual offences, a decrease from 2.63% in 2022, but still alarming. 'Theft emerged as the most prevalent crime, accounting for 18.29% of all convictions,' Laurent said. 43.9% of those with criminal records were convicted of serious offences such as: Assault (23.17%) Drug trafficking (12.2%) Housebreaking (3.66%) and Murder (2.44%) 'While there were no recorded convictions or pending trials for rape or child neglect between 2023 and 2025, over 1.06% of school employees screened are currently awaiting trial, a reminder that pre-employment checks must extend beyond convictions,' she said. ALSO READ: Gauteng education announces 2026 school admission dates: Here is what you need Assault and theft top the list According to Laurent, the TPN tracked the Case Awaiting Trial (CAT) indicators, revealing that 1.06% of school staff screened in the 2024–2025 period are facing legal proceedings. The most common charges pending court proceedings include: Road traffic violations (30.56%) Assault (19.44%) Theft (15%) Reckless driving (5.56%) Malicious damage to property (2.78%) 'While these individuals have not yet been found guilty, the nature of the allegations still raises cause for concern,' Laurent added. ALSO READ: Department scrambles to fix curriculum chaos at Gauteng school after delayed start Schools face legal duties in vetting staff Despite delays in fully opening the NRSO due to confidentiality laws under the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act (SORMAA), schools remain legally obligated to screen all staff using the NRSO and Part B of the National Child Protection Register. 'Failure to comply could result in criminal or civil liability and long-term reputational damage,' Laurent warned. According to Laurent, teachers registering with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) must submit a police clearance certificate that is no older than six months. The SACE Code of Professional Ethics enforces conduct standards and disciplinary processes. SORMAA also places responsibility on individuals to disclose past sexual offence convictions. 'An employee in the employ of an employer, who is or was convicted of a sexual offence against vulnerable persons, irrespective of whether or not such offence was committed or allegedly committed during the course of his or her employment, must without delay disclose such conviction or finding to his or her employer,' SORMAA ALSO READ: No party favourites: Minister defends appointment of Mantashe's son to Seta board Early intervention critical According to TPN, the decline in sexual offence-related convictions suggests that improved screening is beginning to take effect. However, even small percentages represent significant risks when children are involved. 'The protection of children cannot be compromised,' Laurent said. NOW READ: 'Looting using matric papers': Why did NW printing job price jump by around R100m?
