'16-year-olds should be prosecuted'

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The Deputy Minister of Police, Bongani Mkongi, has reiterated the opinion that child perpetrators who are 16 years old should face prosecution.

Mkongi visited George again on Friday 19 January, not long after his previous visit to Thembalethu on 6 November 2017, to address community stakeholders on a number of policing issues.

He first addressed Imizamo Yethu High School learners at the school's premises and then visited a number of crime hotspots in George which include Pacaltsdorp, Conville, Blanco, George CBD and Thembalethu.

Mkongi previously said the current South African constitution deals too softly with law offenders under the age of 18.

"We are in trouble with this toothless constitution.

"When we drafted it, we wanted to impress Mandela. We must be hard on young offenders. Children who are 16 years old must stand trial," he said.

In 2017, Imizamo Yethu Secondary and Thembalethu High schools were burdened by gang-related violence that disturbed peace at the schools.

The Deputy Minister of Police, Bongani Mkongi (left) with Southern Cape police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie during a visit in Blanco. Photo: Kristy Kolberg

The minister addressed this and shared his experience of how one can play a meaningful role at school rather than being involved in gangs.

He also warned the learners that those who commit crime will [eventually] face prosecution and spend time in jail.

Deputy Minister Mkongi in the George CBD. Photo: Kristy Kolberg