Chair, most South Africans are overwhelmed and even preoccupied with crime, its effects and how to combat it. Most categories of crime are at unacceptably high levels. The callousness of the crimes, particularly the rapes and murders, has resulted in society calling for harsher measures, including the reintroduction of the death penalty.
In view of the absence of the death penalty, clearly, the only deterrent left is long prison sentences, including life imprisonment. Regrettably, some members of the judiciary have not applied minimum sentences consistently, resulting in the need for this amending legislation.
As the chair of the portfolio committee has said, the ACDP believes that it is necessary to provide that certain circumstances shall not constitute substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a lesser sentence than that prescribed for rape.
The ACDP will support this amending legislation, as it will further regulate the imposition of minimum sentences for serious offences including murder and rape. Thank you.