Parliament, Friday, 21 February 2020 – The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is outraged to learn that the man who is alleged to have kidnapped and murdered Tazne Van Wyk was convicted for culpable homicide and kidnapping.
The alleged perpetrator for Van Wyk’s murder served half of his 10-year jail term and was reported missing whilst out on parole.
Committee Chairperson Ms Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba said it is upsetting and heart-breaking when incidences of this nature happen as Tazne’s murder could have been averted.
The committee said the Department of Correctional Services should take responsibility for failing Tazne and her family. “The poor and ineffective management of parolees is concerning, as this is the second child being murdered by someone who is out on parole, and who has a history of conviction for violent crime.
“Whilst the police are commended for their efforts to arrest the perpetrator, more needs to be done to ensure safety of the people in the community especially women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly who are often the most vulnerable and victims of such heinous crimes,” said Ms Ncube-Ndaba.
The committee calls on law enforcement agencies to ensure that the alleged perpetrator is brought to book so that Tazne’s family gets justice for the brutal and senseless murder of its child.
The committee said the Department of Social Development should ensure that counselling is provided to the family during this difficult time, and that the Department of Basic Education renders the necessary counselling to the pupils of Tazne’s school.
Ms Ncube-Ndaba said the announcement by the President during the State of the Nation Address to amend the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act is welcomed and will be closely monitored.
But, she said, also important is the draft National Strategic Plan that has yet to be presented to Parliament, with the overarching framework that is meant to guide the country in dealing more effectively with gender-based violence and femicide.
The committee will invite the Steering Committee and the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to present the draft National Strategic Plan for gender-based violence and femicide.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, MS NONHLANHLA NCUBE-NDABA
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Ms Yoliswa Landu
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8203
Cell: 081 497 4694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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