Rapist of disabled victim gets life
Thandolwenkosi Magwaza (35) was arrested and charged for raping a 26-year-old mentally handicapped woman in Ekhombe in September 2014
AFTER the conviction of a 35-year-old-man from Ekhombe area in Nkandla this week, the IFP has called for the protection of people with disabilities against discrimination, sexual abuse and early marriage.
Thandolwenkosi Magwaza (35) was arrested and charged for raping a 26-year-old mentally handicapped woman in Ekhombe in September 2014.
He appeared at Nkandla regional court where he was found guilty as charged and sentenced to life imprisonment.
IFP KZN spokesperson on Social Development, Les Govender, said his party welcomed the punishment handed down to this ‘monster’ who preyed on someone vulnerable to satisfy his sexual desire.
‘Women and girls with disabilities, particularly those from low economic families, face numerous challenges. ‘We are concerned about the alarming plight of street children with disabilities, especially blind girls who are exposed to abuse and are unable to identify their abusers.
‘These victims are at heightened risk of sexual and gender-based violence and of contracting HIV/AIDS especially since there is a belief that having sexual intercourse with persons with a disability, who are often viewed as virgins and asexual, can cure the virus,’ he said.
Govender believed that the state needs to take action to protect these women and young girls against all forms of violence and abuse.
‘We are calling upon all three spheres of government to use the media to create widespread awareness and education campaigns to combat stereotypes, myths and beliefs associated with impairments and conditions such as albinism.
‘In this regard traditional leaders can play a role in changing perceptions about persons with disabilities and encourage their inclusion in society.
It is imperative that persons with disabilities play a meaningful role in all decision-making processes that affect them directly.
‘People with physical disabilities are fully capable of articulating their views, thereby ensuring that laws that are pro-posed are crafted with their best interests in mind,’ said Govender.
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