Jeffery: Jennifer Ferguson needs to lay charges against Danny Jordaan
The Deputy Minister of Justice, John Jeffery, says charges should be laid against South African Football Association (SAFA) boss Danny Jordaan so that the law is able to take its course.
He was briefing the media following a national forum aimed at amending the Sexual Offences Act.
"I don't know the facts of the matter, I have just read about it in the media. And I have seen the allegation from Ms Ferguson and the response from Mr Jordaan. I am not sure why she didn't report it immediately, but I can understand that many women would not want to report a rape for various reasons. But the problem is, it does make it difficult to get a conviction," says Jefferey.
Jordaan has denied allegations that he raped former ANC MP and singer Jennifer Ferguson in a hotel 24 years ago.
Other women have since also come forward with accusations of sexual assault.
WATCH Deputy Justice Minister John Jeffery says charges should be laid against #DannyJordaan so the law can take it's course @Slindelo_M pic.twitter.com/dy4W28UK3Z
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) November 6, 2017
Jefferey says the national forum highlighted the need for further training and work for officials in charge of addressing sexual offences.
"Stakeholders highlighted the absence of professional skills and sensitive attitudes towards victims on the part of some government officials tasked with managing sexual offences. This highlights the need for ongoing social context training for all role players."
He says the basic skills in statement taking and trial advocacy are also still lacking.
"The prevalence of sexual offences in South Africa remains unacceptably high and we owe it the victims of sexual offences to make sure the act works."