We are encouraged by the firm sentences that are being handed down in many of these cases, which indicate that our courts support the spirit of the Minimum Sentences Act. A life sentence for each of the 13 rapes and murders, plus 208 years for robbery, given to a serial killer who raped, murdered and robbed 13 women in Umzinto in KwaZulu-Natal is a good example of how our courts are dealing with these cases. Rapists and perpetrators of violence against women and children have no place in our society. Hence we are calling upon our courts to deny bail for suspects charged with the rape and murder of women and children.