NUM Women Structure to picket against the South African Judicial System tomorrow

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Women Structure will tomorrow (Friday 11th April 2025) embark in a one-hour picket directed at the South African Judicial System that had so far recklessly handled sexual offence cases or rapes taking place across the country. The structure will demonstrate its dissatisfaction against the Judicial System.

The structure is deeply perplexed by how victims of rape are being failed by the system. 

Attrition of rape cases in the country is a matter of serious concern in terms of having an effective criminal justice system.

The ineffectiveness of the justice system is one of the key reasons why the NUM Women Structure and other progressive organization's fight for the specialized sexual offences courts across South Africa. Our believe is that these courts would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system, ensuring that more rapists go to jail.

This picket comes after the so called “pastor” Timothy Omotoso who allegedly raped 32 young women was found not guilty due to state prosecutors mishandling the case.

Secondly this picket is influenced by how the case of a 7-year-old girl Cwecwe in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape has been handled.

The deployment of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) at the Justice for Cwecwe march was totally not necessary and raised questions about the use of military force during peaceful protests.

The picket will take place at Elijah Barayi Memorial Training Centre in Midrand from 12pm - 1pm. All other progressive organizations are invited to join the picket.

Members of the media are invited.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Ann Atlee, NUM Women Structure Deputy Secretary - 063 719 9883

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/10086002340216