NPA gets R1.8bn to secure prosecutions in gender-based violence cases

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will receive an additional R1.8 billion to fight gender-based violence, announced Finance Minister Tito Mboweni.

In the Budget review, the National Treasury said the funds would strengthen the NPA’s fight against the scourge.

“The Department of Justice will receive R1.8bn, mainly to enhance prosecution capacity in the NPA, including the sexual offences and community affairs unit established to address gender-based violence against women and children,” the Budget review stated.

In his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa raised the issue of gender-based violence, saying it required efforts by all stakeholders to fight it.

Ramaphosa was forced to re-prioritise funds from other departments after a huge public outcry after the murders of Uyinene Mrwetyana, Jess Hess and other women and children.

He said government would establish more sexual offences courts to clamp down on gender-based violence.

Ramaphosa has also said all departments will now work together in a co-ordinated manner to deal with the crisis.

Just this week, Ramaphosa visited the family of slain 8-year-old Tazne van Wyk. Her body was found in a stormwater pipe in Worcester, a location pointed out by her alleged killer, Moehydien Pangaker.

Pangaker, a neighbour of Tazne’s, has a long list of previous criminal offences, including the murder of a minor, but was paroled every time.

Crime statistics by Police Minister

Bheki Cele last year showed an increase in the murders of women and children. There was also an increase in rapes of women and children.

Reports from police have shown that most of the victims were killed by people known to them.

Gender-based violence was again raised in Parliament this week when all parties agreed it should never be used for political purposes.