What to expect from the SAPS

4 December 2022

Combatting the #GBV pandemic is very difficult for the South African Police Service (SAPS) if victims don’t come forward, report cases and see it through to ensure that justice is done.

Police Minister Bheki Cele released shocking statistics recently showing that more than 13 000 women were victims of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm between July and September 2022.

More than 10 000 rape cases were opened in the same period.

He announced that 1 277 women were victims of attempted murder, and 989 women were murdered between July and September this year.

Cele said more than 10 000 rape cases were opened at SAPS during the same period.

“From a sample of 8 227 rape incidents persued, it was determined that 5 083, which is 62% of these incidents, occurred at the residence of the victims or perpetrators.”

Constable Mbali Masando, coordinator of GBV and social crime prevention at the Linden Police Station in Johannesburg, says the statistics is a reflection of how rife #GBV is in our society.

“The SAPS needs the victim to come forward and when they do, society must support them. There is no justification for #GBV. Don’t wait until it is too late.

“Abusers are manipulative. They will convince the victims that he or she are the cause of their actions. Don’t allow them to play with your mind. The incidents of #GBV will never stop. Eventually you will be killed,” warns Masando.

According to Masando victims of #GBV can report a case to the police 24/7.

“Every police station must have a #GBV desk or #GBV Centre where women, children or men, can go to have their voices heard. This centre is the victim’s first point of entry. The police official on duty must take the victim to a victim-friendly room where he or she can make a statement in private.

“The case will be opened with charges relating to the #GBV incident for example assault, rape, attempted rape or attempted murder. If the victim is injured, the police official will provide the victim with a J88 form for a doctor to complete. This form is crucial because it serves as evidence to prove the case. If the victim was raped, the police will take the victim to a district surgeon to collect very important DNA evidence to prove the case.

“After the case has been opened, the police officer will provide the victim with a case number and refer the victim to a victim empowerment centre or social worker to assist them going forward. The case will be allocated to an investigating officer and he or she will make contact with the victim and keep them updated of the progress of the investigation,” Masando explains.

According to her victims who withdraw the charges remain a big problem.

“Some of them lose interest in the case, others wanted the police to only scare the person who assaulted them, while others say they still love their attacker or are concerned about who will provide for them. Withdrawing the charges won’t help. The attacks will stop for a while, but it will start again and every time it gets worse,” Masando warns.

#MISACARES #MISAONTHEMOVE #MISAFAMILY #GBV #SpeakUp #NicoleenSwart #SCC