In reaction to the announcement of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) third quarter crime statistics today, Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa, said:
“It is alarming and seriously concerning to see that the total number of sexual offences has increased by 1.8% and sexual assault by 4.5% compared to the same reporting period of the previous year. 12,218 cases of rape were reported, marking an increase of 1.5%. This averages to approximately 136 cases of reported rape a day. This cannot be tolerated. Urgent action is needed to ensure the safety and protection of all in South Africa. It is also important to note that these are only the cases that have been reported to the police, and one could surmise that there are more victims and survivors than the official figures, given the under-reporting of rape in the country.
Furthermore, 570 cases of rape were as a result of domestic violence. Of these, 547 incidents occurred to females. 50,124 cases of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm were also recorded. These figures serve to demonstrate that violence continues to plague our nation’s streets. Enough is enough. Immediate and significant government and societal action to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) is needed without any further delays. South Africa’s war on women and girls must be stopped, and it must be stopped now.”
Background
The South African Police Service (SAPS) announced their third quarter crime statistics today, outlining crime numbers from October 2020 to December 2020.
Amnesty International South Africa is demanding justice for victims of GBVF and their families by calling on the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, to:
- Ensure police are gathering evidence in a constitutional manner and are accountable in accordance with the law.
- Ensure police follow timely and due process during investigations.
- Ensure there is no further impunity for cases of femicide or gender-based violence.
- Ensure that corruption amongst police, also in cases of femicide and gender-based violence, is no longer tolerated.
- Ensure that police are trained to sensitively and objectively investigate incidents of gender-based violence.
Add your voice and take action here.
Amnesty International South Africa is calling on all people in South Africa to interrupt and end gender-based violence in South Africa now by taking this pledge.
It’s time to smash the patriarchy and systems that perpetuate violence. By standing together, we are more powerful.
For more information, or to request an interview, please contact: Jennifer Wells, Campaigner, Amnesty International South Africa on +27 847766559
Public Document
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