Captain Joyce Buthelezi, the investigation officer in the above mentioned case, with her excellent and dedicated investigation ensured that Mlungisi Mtshali known as the Birthday Rapist was sentenced to 39 life sentences and an additional 212 years for the crimes he committed.
This conviction coincides with the worldwide 16 Days of Activism for Non Violence against Women and Children campaign which is running from 25 November 2013 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) which includes World Aids Day (1 December) through to International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2013. Throughout the campaign perpetrators of violence are challenged to change their behaviour; and men are encouraged to become involved in helping to eliminate violence. These are important events promoting awareness of issues we need to engage with 365 days of each and every year.
Eliminating sexual perpetrators such as Mlungisi Mtshali and preventing them from committing such crimes goes a long way in support of this campaign and in protecting our women and children.
We congratulate Captain Joyce Buthelezi and encourage all SAPS members to during this festive season continue with the good work in ensuring that perpetrators of this nature are apprehended, prosecuted and locked behind bars.
Precautions every woman should take:
* Follow the basic rule: Don’t talk to strangers. This applies in more complex situations as well.
* Always inform someone of your whereabouts.
* Take a friend or two with you when you are unsure of your surroundings and people.
* Be extra careful and observant. Look out for areas that have CCTV footage and note landmarks.
* Perpetrators always have a plan. Victimology is always on their minds.
* Most importantly, remember that anyone is a potential rapist.