09 Sep 2020

As part of the national effort to address the current pandemic of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and sexual offenders, the Sexual Offender’s Registry Bill would be tabled in Parliament.

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said the bill would provide for registration of sexual offenders and their monitoring and supervision post release.

The bill proposes structures and a national policy framework to ensure a uniform and coordinated approach by all government departments and other key stakeholders in consultation with the ministers responsible for health and wellness, social services and gender on matters of sexual violence based offences.

He said the legislation would  complement the work of other government ministries and departments as well as stakeholders in the fight against the scourge of GBV.

“In addition, all penalties for GBV and sexual offences are being reviewed,” he stated.

Mr Mmusi said the ministry would ensure that Thematic Working Group (TWG) on GBV add value to the Inter-Ministerial Committee established to address GBV.

Furthermore, he said recommendations from Parliament for concerted efforts on cascading  public education on various acts dealing with violence in general and domestic violence would be taken into account.

Mr Mmusi also said he noted the need for overarching review of the Constitution, and confirmed government’s commitment to undertake comprehensive and consultative review of the Constitution as a matter of priority.

“The review will encompass fundamental issues of human rights and will also cover the independence of oversight institutions,” he stated.

Parliament also learnt that the ministry was at an advanced stage regarding establishment of a research unit and that the unit was expected in operation by December 2020.

Over P15.9 billion is required to continue implementation of projects under the TWG towards delivering the mandate of governance, peace and security. ends