View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]


** PRESS RELEASE
------------------------------------------------------------


** Sonke urges the National Prosecuting Authority to challenge flawed judgment and lenient sentencing in rape case
------------------------------------------------------------


** For Immediate Release
------------------------------------------------------------

Sonke cautiously welcomes the conviction and eight-year sentence of traditional healer Lulama Elvis Ray Mpahla by the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court but expresses concern over the deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence and calls on the National Prosecuting Authority to appeal for a relook of the judgement.

“We are concerned about the convicted rapist receiving bail pending appeal four days after sentencing. While bail pending appeal is a constitutional right, it is not an automatic right, and it should be weighed against the interests of justice. Gender-Based Violence, including rape, is a major challenge in South Africa, evidenced by alarming statistics. Granting a rape convict bail a few days after sentencing does not send a strong message to other would-be offenders on the severity of rape as a crime,” said Mpiwa Mangwiro-Tsanga, Sonke’s Policy Development and Advocacy Manager.

Read more ([link removed])

============================================================
** Share ([link removed])
** Share ([link removed])
** Tweet ([link removed]: https%3A%2F%2Fmailchi.mp%2Fbcf102be45cf%2Fsonke-media-statement-18251254)
** Tweet ([link removed]: https%3A%2F%2Fmailchi.mp%2Fbcf102be45cf%2Fsonke-media-statement-18251254)
** Forward ([link removed])
** Forward ([link removed])
Copyright © 2025 Sonke Gender Justice, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you subscribed via our website or requested your address to be added to our mailing list.

Our mailing address is:
Sonke Gender Justice
First Floor, Sir Lowry Studios
95 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock
Cape Town, Western Cape 7925
South Africa
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.