UDEMWO welcomes the sentencing of rapist Moses Gqesha
Media Statement by Thandi Nontenja, MP and UDEMWO Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the sentencing of Moses Gqesha, who has been handed eight life sentences for the brutal 2010 rape of Ms Andy Kawa, along with additional sentences for robbery, kidnapping, assault and theft.
This long-overdue justice marks a significant moment for Ms Kawa, her family and all survivors of gender-based violence in South Africa. We commend her courage and unwavering pursuit of justice despite the many obstacles she has faced over the past 15 years.
UDEMWO notes with deep concern, however, the unacceptable delay in securing this conviction, due in large part to the DNA backlog crisis that continues to undermine the fight against gender-based violence. Although DNA samples were collected in 2020, a match was only confirmed in 2023, leading to Gqesha’s arrest in January 2024.
This delay is a glaring indictment of the state’s failure to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and efficiently. Survivors cannot be expected to wait more than a decade for closure because of avoidable bureaucratic and systemic failures. The Department of Justice and relevant forensic units must treat the DNA backlog as an emergency and allocate the necessary resources to resolve it urgently.
In addition, UDEMWO calls on the Department of Correctional Services to take a firmer stance when dealing in cases involving extreme violence, particularly those rooted in gender-based violence. Individuals convicted of such heinous crimes must not be granted parole under any circumstances.
The severity of these crimes justifies the full and uninterrupted serving of life sentences. Survivors and their families should not have to live in fear of their perpetrators ever walking free again. Correctional Services must align its policies with the broader national commitment to ending gender-based violence.
While the sentencing of Moses Gqesha is a step toward justice, the broader system still fails far too many survivors. UDEMWO will continue to advocate for the dignity, safety and rights of women across South Africa and will remain vigilant in holding all arms of the state accountable in the fight against gender-based violence.
