The fight against abuse of children and women is a 365-day commitment that requires all of us to act against abuse in our province. We encourage all victims to never be afraid to speak out and we salute those who stand their ground by reporting perpetrators instead of shielding them. The only way to remove perpetrators of GBV in our society is to put them behind bars where they belong.
This is what the KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units continues to do, putting perpetrators in prison. In the month of March 2022, FCS detectives in the province arrested 259 suspects for rape, as well other crimes such as kidnapping, abduction, human trafficking, attempted murder and sexual exploitation.
The persistence by the detectives secured 26 convictions which included nine life sentences and a total of 190 years of imprisonment for the many accused who have appeared in various courts within the KwaZulu-Natal province. Many cases are still awaiting trial in court which will result in more suspects being charged and sentenced for their crimes.
The MySAPS app has created a platform where victims of crime and community members can report criminal activity to police and remain anonymous or alternatively they can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. We urge all citizens to make use of this initiative which aims to reduce the effects of these violent crimes.
Source: South African Police Service