The United Democratic Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased to hear that Thato Kutumela has been sentenced to ten years for rape and 20 years for the murder of his 18-year-old pregnant ex-girlfriend.
We are however disappointed that Kutumela’s sentences will run concurrently and hope that he will never be paroled. Our courts should mete out harsh sentences on the perpetrators of abuse and violence against women and children.
UDEMWO believes that a zero-tolerance system should be employed to deter, punish and rehabilitate offenders whilst supporting the victims and their families; making sure that justice is served and their dignity restored. Our hearts go out to Zanele Khumalo’s parents and other loved ones. May her soul and that of her unborn child, rest in peace.
