Our justice system simply isn't serious enough about crimes against women and children.
That much is clear.
For all the talk condemning gender-based violence, keeping suspects behind bars and harsher punishment for these varke, the courts are still making it far too easy for accused to walk free.
It's too easy to get bail. It's too easy to get parole. It's too easy to re-offend.
How many more Steven Fortunes will be released back into communities?
The child predator was sentenced to three life terms in May for the rape and murder of Michaela Williams, 12, of Pelikan Park.
This after he was convicted in 2006 for another child’s rape and attempted murder, then granted parole in 2017.
Earlier this year, he admitted that during his release period, he had raped nine other girls.
Judge Robert Henney said during sentencing: “In all of my 30 years as a judicial officer, this is one of the most evil individuals I have come across, who admitted he cannot get enough of young girls."
Strong words but cold comfort. Fortune should never have been allowed back into society.
And what about that other evil scum, Moehydien Pangaker?
The man accused of killing Tazne van Wyk, 8, last year faces a total of 20 charges including rape, murder, sexual assault and kidnapping for a sick crime spree dating back to 2016.
But his very first conviction came back in 1981; He has spent most of his life in and out of prison.
President Cyril Ramaphosa personally visited Tazne's family in Ravensmead and admitted that the justice system had failed the child.
"He came out and committed murder. That just shows there is something wrong with our parole system," Ramaphosa said.
"The parole board should have realised this was not a candidate for release. I stand here and say we are sorry as the government that this person, who was never supposed to be released on parole, was released."
He added: "But we are also saying that people found guilty of abusing women and children, raping and killing them, must not be released on bail. They must stay in jail and never ever come out."
How many times have we heard that promise - only for these monsters to be unleashed back into our communities again and again?
This week the vicious cycle continued.
It was revolting to read about Gordon Lewis, who has been arrested yet again.
This after two sisters, aged just 8 and 12, accused the 61-year-old of raping them in his backyard hokkie.
A couple of years ago, Lewis had been cleared of 16 sexual assault charges, after his six alleged victims failed to testify against him.
This time, however, Lewis is behind bars.
But it's no thanks to the Wynberg Magistrates' Court, who actually granted him R500 bail.
Indeed the only reason he is safely locked away today is because he didn't have money to pay for his release.
If he had a few hundred rand in his pocket, he'd probably be walking the streets and out on the prowl right now.