Paedophile sentenced to 32 life sentences
Government has welcomed the 32 life sentences and 170 years in prison handed down to convicted paedophile, Warren Knoop, by the Johannesburg High Court.
Knoop was sentenced on 870 charges of rape and possession of child pornography.
"Government is pleased with the sentencing which is indicative that the wheels of justice are turning. We will not tolerate such atrocious criminal acts especially against children in our country," acting Director-General Donald Liphoko says.
He has also calls on parents, communities and children to engage in conversations that promote the rights of children, and educate them on reporting any suspicions of violation of their rights.
"Government has put in place child protection mechanisms such as legislation and international instruments that the country has ratified as a commitment to the protection of children's rights. Key amongst this is Section 28 of the Constitution, which specifically deals with and lays the foundation of children's rights," he adds.
Government has also established the National Child Protection Register to keep a record of cases of abuse and deliberate neglect, convictions and outcomes of the Children's Court.