Government welcomes Shoba’s sentencing

29 July 2022

 

Government welcomes the Johannesburg High Court sentencing of Ntuthuko Shoba to life imprisonment. Shoba was found guilty of premeditated murder of his then I girlfriend, Tshegofatso Pule, who was found hanging from a tree in June 2020. 

 

Phumla Williams, Director General of the GCIS said, "we commend the police and the judicial system for the diligent work done in this case. The sentence handed down today definitely sends a firm message on how the law deals with perpetrators of gender based violence. We acknowledge that whilst this particular case and others are heightened in the media environment, there are many more women who are victims of gender-based violence.  The high number of women affected by gender based violence and femicide (GBVF) remains a cause for concern. The judicial system has served stringent sentencing for many of these cases, and we urge them to continue turning the wheels of justice for women”. 

 

Government, together with its partners, continue to intensify the fight against, GBVF through the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development earlier this year launched the Year of Community campaign, which encourages citizens to value, and uphold their rights as enshrined in the Constitution and promote active participation by the public in the implementation of justice services. 

 

Furthermore, Government has introduced new laws to protect women and children in South Africa from abuse and violence. The implementation of  legislation goes a long way to ensuring that cases are successfully prosecuted and survivors are protected and that there are more effective deterrents in place. 

 

“We call on communities to be part of the solution to end GBVF. In order for us to end the scourge of GBVF, collective efforts are needed as this is a societal problem. We all need to join hands and work together to put an end to this. We would also like to send our deepest condolences to the families that have lost, and continue to lose their loved ones to GBVF,” concluded Williams.

 

Enquiries: Phumla Williams 083 501 0139

 

Issued by Government Communications