Cosatu condemns the practice of ukuthwala

Mluleki Mrwebi
19 February 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Union has applauded the verdict and sentencing for Mvumeleni Jezile after he was found guilty of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl and forcefully marrying, raping and assaulting her. 

Cosatu said it strongly condemns the practice of ukuthwala and said it has no place in a constitutional, non-sexist democracy. 

Cosatu Spokesperson Patrick Craven said it is essential in the campaigns against the abuse of women and children to raise this issue.

Craven said this case would be a referral for everyone who carries on with this practice and such cases need to be dealt with in a harsh way.