Crime stats paint grim picture of GBVF battle

CRIME statistics for July to September 2021 paint a grim picture of the fight against gender-based violence and femicide after almost 10 000 rape cases were reported in only three months.

Police Minister Bheki Cele announced the crime statistics for the 2021 second quarter on Friday.

Cele said 9 556 people were raped between July and September 2021 – the figure increased by 634 cases, amounting to a 7% increase compared with the previous period, he said.

Gauteng recorded 2 054 cases, KwaZulu-Natal 1 860, the Eastern Cape 1 553, Western Cape 1 009, Limpopo 834, North West 777, Mpumalanga 691, Free State 6 017, and Northern Cape 191.

A sample of 6 144 rapes revealed 3 951 were committed at residences of the victim or perpetrator, 1 179 in public places and 177 in a bus, car or taxi.

Major-General Norman Sekhukune said total sexual offences went up by 4.7% to 11 964 cases.

But, sexual assault decreased by five cases, attempted sexual assault was down by 51 to 400 and contact sexual offences declined by 37.

Advocacy group Action Society said the crime statistics paint a grim picture for victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa.

“It is clear that the SAPS are not winning the battle.

“Victims of rape and domestic violence are being neglected by the SAPS and government,” said Action Society spokesperson Ian Cameron.

A total of 81 969 sexual offences were reported since January 2021, he said.

“We need to ask ourselves what is the SAPS doing to eradicate GBVF. 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 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.”

Amnesty International SA said the statistics show not enough is being done to combat crime, especially GBV.

Its executive director Shenilla Mohamed said it was important to note these were only cases reported to police.

“One could surmise there are more victims than the official figures, given the under-reporting of rape.”