The crime statistics for July – September 2021, which was announced by the South African Police Services (SAPS) today paint a grim picture for victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa.
“From the figures released today, it is clear that the South African Police Services are not winning the battle against GBVF in our country. Victims of rape and domestic violence are being neglected by the SAPS and government, the most vulnerable citizens of our community are not being protected,” said Ian Cameron, Spokesperson for Action Society.
A total of 9 556 rape cases were reported for the 3 month period. Year-to-date 65 335 rape cases have been reported ̶ a shocking 7 260 per month. From a sample taken, almost 64% of cases are reported to have happened in the house of either the victim or the perpetrator.
11 824 cases of assault on women were reported during the July to September period. Attempted murder cases amount to 1 155 and 897 women were murdered. Another disturbing figure is the amount of children who were murdered during this period, a total of 287, that’s 3 children daily.
“With a total of 81 969 sexual offences being reported since January 2021 and an increase of 4.7% for this period in comparison to last year, we need to ask ourselves what is the SAPS doing to eradicate the scourge of GBVF in our country. An average of almost 250 rape cases have been reported daily since January. The SAPS is a failed institution and creating an environment where criminals thrive. Minister Cele and the President, are in fact, just paying lip service to victims. It seem that there is no urgent resolve or political will to fight for the women and children of South Africa,” continued Cameron.
Minister Cele himself expressed concern about the rape statistics saying the figures do not give much comfort and is a disgrace. During the Portfolio Committee on Police meeting, speaking about the DNA backlog, Genl. Jinga confirmed that there is still 97 664 cases backlogged. While the DNA backlog is on-going, rapists and murderers are being let out on bail, or cases are struck off the roll due to the lack of evidence ̶ enabling these violent perpetrators to re-offend.
Cameron concludes: “We must remember that these numbers are not just statistics. These are victims of violent crime who were not protected. Someone’s mother, sister, child. Action Society believes that ANC cadre deployment is the biggest downfall of the SAPS. The SAPS under leadership of Bheki Cele is not fulfilling it’s constitutional duty to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa. The public and civil society needs to hold government accountable for this failure. The pandemic of GBVF in our country has become a human rights violation.”
