Chemical castration of rape perpetrators could serve as a deterrent and reduce the scourge of rape.

Men found guilty of raping women and children should be punished by chemical castration, North West premier Thandi Modise said.

Chemical castration of rape perpetrators could serve as a deterrent and reduce the scourge of rape, her office said in a statement.

Modise, who was herself a victim of rape in her teens, vowed to lead a campaign to lobby for chemical castration "given the unacceptable levels that the scourge has reached across the country."

She made the announcement during the inauguration of the newly nominated Provincial Council on Aids (PCA) held in Mafikeng on Monday.

PCA coordinates and monitors North West implementation of programmes and strategies for the province's response to HIV and Aids.

Modise also urged men to stand up against women and child abuse.

Chemical castration is the administration of medication designed to reduce libido and sexual activity.

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