Harsher sentences for those who sexually abuse children and people with mental disabilities

Lauren Snyders

26 April 2012

The chairperson of the portfolio committee on social development, Yolanda Botha wants people who commit crimes against children and people with mental disabilities, to receive harsher sentences.

Botha said she just wants to alert South Africans on what is happening is not right and that people with mental disabilities are vulnerable and need to be protected.

She said that society has let people with mental disabilities down.

Botha added that parents need to re-look their parenting in terms of child safety and to re-alert communities to keep children safe.

She said alleged perpetrators should not be given bail because their victims are vulnerable and they can be influenced.