By Ntombi Mhlongo
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Pholile Shakantu has urged prosecutors to participate in the upcoming national elections.
The minister was speaking during the official opening of an advanced seminar on prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence crimes at the Hilton Garden Inn on Wednesday morning.
The seminar is hosted by the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals Office of the Prosecutor and ends on Thursday.
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Minister Shakantu said she was aware of the tight schedule of prosecutors and the many cases they have to deal with daily but advised that they should spend just a few minutes exercising their right to participate in the national elections.
“I encourage all of you to not just register but go and vote when the time comes. Also, do remember that our communities are diverse so as you vote, make sure that you consider all different types of people including those with disabilities, the youth, and women,” the minister said.
Minister Shakantu added that the seminar comes at an opportune time when the global community is experiencing a surge in sexual offences.
Such offences, she said, are committed against vulnerable individuals and these are mostly defenceless women and children.
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“They are very high where there are conflicts or wars. Therefore, this seminar will help capacitate prosecutors to ensure that the country is not a haven for criminals because crime has no boundaries,” she said.
She explained that the seminar is a call upon the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to analytically review the prevailing laws to ensure that they adequately address the issues of gender-based violence and advocate for the enhancement of the laws to be in line with the dynamics of evolving crimes.
Minister Shakantu highlighted that His Majesty King Mswati III’s Government, in particular, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs appreciates the partnership that exists between the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals Office of the Prosecutor and the local office.
