Justice at last for two female SAMWU members! COSATU would like to join SAMWU in celebrating the outcome of the case pertaining to their female members who were sexually attacked in the course of duty. This has been a groundbreaking case of two female paramedics who were raped whilst executing their life-saving duty in an informal settlement in Durban Deep in Gauteng. This case shocked the nation as it exposed the nature of violence against women and that it is going to be more challenging to provide emergency services to our poor communities. Though the case has taken too long (2010-2012) to conclude, we are however very pleased by the Judge’s verdict which has not only manifested an element of gender sensitivity but has brought closure for the victims and their families. This case has set out a historical precedence and at the same time has sent out a strong message to perpetrators of sexual and gender-related violence especially rape. For the first time, we have witnessed the passing of a harsher sentence in the form of a life sentence to perpetrators of rape crimes. As COSATU, we receive this message with great happiness as it has come at the right time when the COSATU CEC has passed a resolution on the need for the Federation and its affiliates, to take up cases related to gender based violence in the workplace, community and LGBTI communities and the broader society. This victory is not only for SAMWU but for the entire Federation, affiliates, membership and all women, lesbians & gays and children nationwide. We would like to applaud the two Female Cdes and their supportive families for their perseverance to ensure that justice prevails. A tribute should also go to the State Prosecutor of this particular case for her diligence, continous fighting spirit and ground-breaking victory in the history of South Africa. The investigation officer should also be applauded for his expertise in handling this case to ensure enough evidence was presented. We would like to relay our gratitude to the Judge who presided over this case for the wonderful work which made sure the ruling came out in favour of the victims. This to some extent points to some transformation in the country’s justice system in as far as gender matters are concerned and we urge all judges to take note of the evidence led and the judgment issued. Our President, Cde Sidumo Dlamini and the Head of Organising on behalf of COSATU have diligently supported SAMWU and its members for the last painful three days till to the end. We commend them for that. Lastly, we would like to salute the SAMWU Leadership for mobilising support from their members who have demonstrated unwavering support for their fellow Cdes up to the last day of the judgement. We would like to urge all the other affiliates to continue with the vision of ensuring justice for victims of gender based violence in the workplace and in society at large. We still abide by our campaign of “No bail for perpetrators of gender-based violence against women and children”. Aluta!
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