The sale and purchase of s3xual services will no longer be treated as a crime under proposed legislation put forward by the justice ministry.

South Africa is set to tackle high levels of crime against women in the country with one of the world’s highest HIV caseloads.

It was announced on Friday that s3x work would be decriminalised and human rights violations against s3x workers would be minimized.

The sale and purchase of s3xual services will no longer be treated as a crime under proposed legislation put forward by the justice ministry.

According to advocacy groups there are over 150,000 S€x workers in the country.

“It is hoped that decriminalisation will minimise human rights violations against s3x workers,” Justice Minister Ronald Lamola told a press briefing.

“It would also mean better access to health care and … afford better protection for s3x workers, better working conditions and less discrimination and stigma.”