The Regional Court in Makhanda found Coko guilty of raping his then girlfriend after she had told him she did not want to have sex and wanted to remain a virgin. However, the sentence was overturned after High Court judges Tembeka Ngcukaitobi and Nyameko Gqamana found it “unduly harsh, ignores the interests of society, and induces a sense of shock”. The basis of their judgement appeared to be that Mr Coko’s partner consented to penetrative sex as she had no problem disrobing and kissing him and seeing his erect penis.

As a feminist organisation, the Soul City Institute for Social Justice welcomes this judgement to overturn the acquittal. We are hopeful that the justice system is correcting itself. As a country that struggles with prosecuting and bringing perpetrators to justice, we cannot reverse the little gains we take.

It is concerning to see that the concept of consent is still not largely understood and our conversations around it are not progressing to a point where we’re able to use it as a safeguarding tool.

Ahead of the upcoming election, let us ensure that eradicating and preventing the scourge of Gender-based Violence remains at the forefront of all campaigns. All who seek to govern the country must demonstrate their commitment to keeping us all safe.

#YVote4U

Sign petition: https://bit.ly/3RslqXA

For media queries:
011 771 7973
disruptingpatriarchy@soulcity.org.za