Image: Johannes Plenio
A church leader from North West
has been handed a two-year prison sentence by the Rustenburg Regional Court for
violating Section 22 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters)
Amendment Act. Zoliswa Menziwa, aged 36, was apprehended when discovered with
five unclothed adults and 11 children in a residence used as a church in
Sondela Phase 1, Boitekong, just outside Rustenburg on June 1, 2022.
Captain Sam Tselanyane, the
provincial police spokesperson, revealed that the children, ranging from four
to 12 years old, were in the care of Menziwa. "The convict was the only
individual who was found clothed at the time and she was allegedly the church
leader. Subsequent to preliminary investigations, all children between the ages
of four to twelve; six boys and five girls, were removed from the house and
handed to social workers for intervention, and ultimately placed under the care
of other family members," Tselanyane explained.
The case was transferred to the
Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit for
further scrutiny. The unit, led by Colonel Mosidi Mafora and Warrant Officer
Phiri Mfetane, conducted thorough investigations. Tselanyane reported,
"The accused was found guilty as charged while the other five accused were
acquitted. Menziwa was sentenced to two years imprisonment which is wholly
suspended for a period of five years on condition that she is not convicted of
the same charge during the period of suspension."
North West Police Commissioner,
Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed satisfaction with the sentencing,
emphasizing the police force's commitment to combating crimes against women and
children. "Defending the vulnerable will always remain a priority for the
men and women in blue in the province," Kwena affirmed, commending the
investigating team for their outstanding efforts in ensuring that perpetrators
of such crimes face the full consequences of the law.
Souce: IOL News
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