Pretoria - Government is "delighted" with the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court sentencing of Mlulami Gagu to three life terms in prison.
Gagu was found guilty of raping seven girls over a period of two years.
"Government commends the South African Police Service investigators who tirelessly worked on this case and made sure that the law took its course. We also salute the judicial system that gave an appropriate sentence," said acting government spokesperson Phumla Williams in a statement on Thursday.
She said the ruling and sentencing in this case was a lesson to many other perpetrators who committed crimes against children and women in particular. "The ruling and sentencing of Gagu send a tough message that criminal activities are not tolerated in this country, and the law will always take its course".
Williams said government called on communities and the entire society to take their rightful positions in the fight against crime and advance the goal of social cohesion, adding that it was important that communities work together with law enforcement agencies to uproot the criminal acts to maintain peace and stability in the country.
"As the country is approaching the 2012 16 Days of Activism against Women and Child Abuse, government encourages individuals, civic organisations and the business sector to continue supporting this cause. All acts of women and children abuse will not be tolerated, and the Government will ensure that the law takes its course," Williams said. - SAnews.gov.za
