Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia - Friday December 28, 2001
"As the year came to its end, we concentrated on rape and in particular the rape of children and infants. This demands that everybody should be involved in fighting this horrible crime," he said in his annual address.
"Rapes occur in our homes, they occur amongst relatives, they occur among people who know one another. We must make sure that indeed we break the silence with regard to this, that we report the wrongdoers to the police and make sure that the system of justice punishes these people appropriately."
Though used to violence, South Africans were shocked by the spate of baby rapes late in 2001.
Many were by men who believe that sex with a virgin will cure them of AIDS , anti-rape organisations say. An estimated one in nine
South Africans carries HIV, the virus that causes the disease, one of the highest infection rates in the world.
Mbeki, who has drawn international criticism for questioning the link between HIV and AIDS, made only a passing reference to the virus, urging people to help fight theft and corruption within the public health system.
011228
RE011234
Copyright © 2001 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .