Jolene Kok, a 31-year-old pregnant woman with 11 previous theft convictions, has been sentenced to 3 years of direct imprisonment for her latest offense. The court deemed her actions a threat to the community and imposed the sentence due to her disregard for the law. Kok's defense team argued that imprisonment would be detrimental to her health and her unborn child. The sentencing has sparked debate about the treatment of pregnant women in the justice system. Kok appeared in the Upington magistrates court on Monday, 28 October 2024 where the court revealed that she has a history of substance abuse which includes the usage of mandrax and tik. Nancy Leburu, a mother of two, express her outrage and disappointment at Jolene Kok's actions, she elaborates
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Leburu states that the child will have a better future growing up in prison:
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Journalist: Murial Meintjies
Email: intern2@radioriverside.co.za