ACDP concerned about loop-hole in Victims' Charter

Rev Kenneth Meshoe


The African Christian Democratic Party welcomes Cabinet’s approval of the ‘Victims’ Charter’. But the ACDP is concerned about the possible ‘loop-hole’ regarding restitution and compensation for victims of crimes.

“We welcome the long-awaited Victims’ Charter ‘guaranteeing’ rights for victims of crime. We have been concerned about the lack of protection for the victims and whistle-blowers who are being intimidated by perpetrators.” said ACDP President, Rev Kenneth Meshoe.

“If South Africans are confident that exposing criminals and perpetrators of crime will not endanger their lives, then more people will come forward with information that will lead to arrests and conviction of criminals. “

“Regarding restitution and compensation, we are concerned that government will make excuses when they have to apply that right, because of the ‘loophole’, which is caused by the words “where applicable and possible.”

“We believe restitution and compensation should be made applicable and possible in all cases, because perpetrators ‘must’ pay for their deeds.”

“We don’t want government to use tax-payers money to do restoration to victims - perpetrators should pay for compensation and restitution. We want perpetrators, and not government, doing restitution when crime is perpetrated against individuals.”

“We look forward to the speedy implementation of this charter which will focus on and highlight the plight of victims of crime.”

“The ACDP would appreciate government making it very clear that the rights of victims supersede the rights of perpetrators of crime. If this is done, then most South Africans will agree that we have turned the corner and government fully supports victims of crime. This move will correct the perception that most South Africans have that our Justice System protects criminals and perpetrators of crime.”