Feedback from the Public Protector’s (PP) office, two years after Action Society lodged a complaint against the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the SAPS’ Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) (amongst others), revealed that at least 486 serial rapists could be identified out of a total of 10 493 cases that were prioritised from July 2021 to May 2022. These included processing exhibits where court case dates of court cases and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) cases had been confirmed with special priority given to cases of sexual offenders.
“Looking at this sample, it turns out that at least 4,6% of sexual offenders are repeat offenders. Considering that rape is probably the most under-reported crime, we expect that this percentage is significantly higher. From the cases we represent, we know that repeat offenders are also more prone to show escalations in their crimes, ultimately leading to murder,” says Ian Cameron, Director of Community Safety at Action Society.
Considering the sample that was prioritised, and considering the average amount of rapes that are reported in a year – around 42 000, one could dare to speculate that the probable number of active serial rapists in South Africa now is at least 1 932.
One of the cases Action Society is currently overseeing at the Paarl Magistrates Court, is the case against the Photograper Rapist. “We believe that this is a case where a potential serial rapist was stopped in his tracks,” according to Cameron.
“The young woman we represent was 19 at the time of her attack in October 2021. She was targeted by the well-known photographer in October 2021 under the ruse of a photoshoot to further her modelling portfolio. The attacker lured her to a secluded area where he drugged and raped her. The victim’s family called on Action Society for help last year after almost a year had passed with no movement on the investigation. Action Society proceeded to do a proper investigation, and tracked the attacker down, resulting in his arrest in February this year. The case was postponed again this week, but the accused will stay behind bars, as he now stands accused of a second rape case that was brought against him since his arrest.”
We continue to urge victims of sexual crimes to report what happened to them. Had the young woman we represent not been brave enough to take on this long journey to justice, he would have been out on the streets and able to continue his clearly predatory behaviour.