The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in North West said it would conduct a door-to-door campaign ahead of the official launch of 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children across Mahikeng today.

The league’s provincial secretary, Bridgette Mogakwe, said the aim was to teach women and children about their rights.

“We will be visiting taverns, taxi ranks and malls in a quest to teach children and women
about abuse. We will also engage with men and make them sign a pledge to fight abuse.

“The statistics show that the reported cases of abuse have declined, however, we still want to encourage them to come forward. Abuse is a societal issue, so we need everyone to take part.

“As the ANCWL in the province, we believe more can be done. The abuse leaves a void and tears families apart. In most cases, the victims know the perpetrators.

“Children must be encouraged to talk as they sometimes tend to be traumatised and decide to hide it. To all women, please let’s not accept the actions of perpetrators simply because they might be sole bread winners,” Mogakwe said.

She also applauded the Atamelang Magistrate’s Court for convicting a 36-year-old man after raping his daughter. A man was jailed for 30 years for raping and impregnating his 13-year-old daughter.

He appeared in the Atamelang Regional Court on Friday. The incident took place on November 10, 2010.

North West police spokesperson Kelebogile Moleko said: “The mother of the victim took her to the clinic after she did not have a period for three months. The doctor informed her that the daughter was pregnant.

The girl refused to tell who the father was, but confessed later.“The daughter aborted her unborn baby and the foetus was used as evidence. The rape case was reported at Sannieshof police station.

The suspect was arrested and later released on bail, while waiting for the DNA results.

“The accused failed to appear in court and a warrant of arrest was issued. He was re-arrested on February 27, 2013. He received 25 years for rape and five years for incest.”

-TDN

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