Calls grow for death penalty as Parliament debates GBVF crisis
Calls for the reinstatement of the death penalty have resurfaced in Parliament amid concern over the killings of women. The ACDP and ATM want the Constitution amended to allow capital punishment for those convicted of femicide, while the ANC has rejected the proposal and called for stronger action across the criminal justice system and society.
Members of South Africa's Parliament are calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty to combat the rising crisis of gender-based violence and femicide. The ACDP's Kenneth Meshoe and ATM's Thandiswa Marawu argue that tougher punishment is necessary to deter these brutal crimes against women. The death penalty was banned by the Constitutional Court in 1995 through the S v Makwanyane judgment.
Meshoe contends that severe sentences are vital for deterring killers and that taxpayers should not have to pay for housing violent criminals. Marawu asserts that the death penalty should be reintroduced as it was previously endorsed in the election manifesto. ANC Deputy Minister Andries Nel dismissed the calls, describing them as unrealistic and populist.
He emphasized the need for a collective effort from various sectors, including religious communities, civil society, traditional leaders, and men, to prevent violence against women. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the crisis and announced plans to strengthen the government's response, including a national case-recovery operation, improved forensic processes, and stronger enforcement of liquor laws.
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