3,826 GBV perpetrators jailed, 556 received life sentences

3,826 GBV perpetrators jailed, 556 received life sentences! South Africa continues its battle against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) reporting the incarceration of almost 4,000 individuals between April and September this year.

The figures come as the country observes the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

16 Days of Activism: A Critical Reminder

The SAPS announced these statistics to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which runs annually to highlight the urgent need to address violence against women and children.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe emphasized the campaign’s importance and the continued efforts by law enforcement to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Brigadier Mathe remarked, “The start of the campaign coincided with the release of the second-quarter crime statistics by the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu. While several crime categories showed a positive downward trend, the murders of women and children remain alarmingly high.”

The Scope of the Problem

Minister Senzo Mchunu has declared gender-based violence a national priority crime, noting its devastating impact on families and communities. He emphasized the need for specialized approaches to address GBVF, given its complexity and the trauma it causes.

From April to September 2024, SAPS recorded significant progress in prosecuting GBVF-related crimes:

• 16,668 GBVF suspect raids were conducted nationwide.
• 29,150 perpetrators were arrested.
• 556 life sentences were handed down to convicted individuals.
• 480 sentences of 20 years or more were issued.
• Nearly 1,800 individuals received prison terms ranging from one to nine years.

These figures underscore the extensive efforts by law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice while highlighting the sheer scale of GBVF in South Africa.

Role of the FCS Unit in Combating GBVF

A cornerstone of SAPS’ strategy is the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Investigations Unit (FCS). With 176 units across the country, the FCS plays a critical role in preventing and investigating family-related crimes, crimes against children, and sexual offences.

“The role of FCS detectives is not only to ensure effective investigations but also to deliver justice to victims and their families,” said Brigadier Mathe.

Over the past year, the FCS unit’s work has been instrumental in driving arrests and securing convictions. The unit’s success is a testament to its focused approach and commitment to tackling GBVF.

Victim Support: Enhancing Reporting and Care

Recognizing the importance of victim support, SAPS has established Gender-Based Violence Desks at every police station. These desks ensure that GBVF cases are treated with urgency and compassion.

Additionally, there are 1,161 Victim Friendly Rooms (VFRs) in police facilities across the country, including at airports and FCS units. These rooms provide a private and safe space for victims to share their experiences and have their statements recorded in a non-threatening environment.

“The VFRs are dedicated to ensuring that victims feel supported and respected during the investigation process,” explained Mathe. This infrastructure is vital for building trust between victims and law enforcement, encouraging more individuals to report crimes.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While SAPS has made commendable strides, the challenge of combating GBVF remains daunting. The high murder rates of women and children highlight the urgent need for sustained intervention and a holistic approach.

Efforts are ongoing to enhance training for law enforcement, improve community outreach, and bolster the capacity of support services. The 16 Days of Activism campaign serves as both a reminder of the work that remains and a rallying call for all sectors of society to contribute to ending GBVF.

A Call for Collective Action

The statistics released by SAPS demonstrate progress but also reveal the depth of the GBVF crisis in South Africa. As Brigadier Mathe emphasized, tackling GBVF requires a collaborative approach involving law enforcement, policymakers, community organizations, and society at large.

The fight against gender-based violence is far from over, but the commitment shown by SAPS and other stakeholders provides hope for a future where women and children can live free from fear and violence.