Latest news with #GBV-related
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
Justice system under fire: Community slams inaction on GBV
Quick read: A heated community dialogue was held at Ngoako Ramahlodi by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. Residents say a weak and slow justice system is fuelling crime and gender-based violence (GBV). Social activist Mabotse Mothiba shared a recent case of an elderly woman assaulted by her son — who still walks free. Residents say local teens involved in a fatal incident also faced no legal consequences. Men in attendance said police mocked or dismissed them when reporting abuse by female partners. Police Commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe urged victims to report abuse consistently. Minister Mamoloko Khubayi-Ngubane acknowledged GBV complaints and pledged to improve accountability. Full story POLOKWANE – A lenient and often unresponsive justice system is fuelling crime and gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. That was the strong message from residents during a heated community dialogue hosted at Ngoako Ramahlodi by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on Thursday. Community members, including social activist and Westenburg CPF member Mabotse Mothiba, shared first-hand accounts of frustration, fear and injustice, blaming local law enforcement for failing to act swiftly on serious GBV cases. Minister Mamoloko Khubayi-Ngubane led the dialogue, which formed part of Mandela Month efforts to engage communities and strengthen justice systems across the country. Mothiba recounted a recent incident involving an elderly woman who was assaulted by her adult son. 'I found her lying in the street late at night. 'The next day, I went to her house and the son just laughed at me. He's still walking free. Nothing has been done,' she said. Her experience, she added, highlighted how law enforcement's inaction emboldens abusers and discourages whistleblowers. Other residents echoed these sentiments. 'One pointed out a case where local teens caused a death but were neither charged nor cautioned. 'These kids are still roaming the streets like nothing happened. It sends a dangerous message,' a resident said. The dialogue also shone a light on the gendered stigma surrounding GBV. Several men in attendance revealed how they were ridiculed or dismissed by police officers when attempting to report abuse from their female partners. 'We are mocked and not taken seriously because we don't fit the stereotype of a victim,' one man said. Law enforcement representatives in attendance, including provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, acknowledged these concerns but urged victims to report abuse consistently. 'When victims remain silent, it weakens our efforts to bring justice and hold perpetrators accountable,' one official said. The minister admitted the department had received multiple distress calls from the region, flagging a rise in GBV-related incidents. 'That's why we're here, to listen and to find practical solutions,' Khubayi-Ngubane said, adding that the dialogue aimed to help restore faith in the justice system and address the urgent need for reform. She also committed to ensuring follow-ups and accountability, noting that no South African should feel unsafe or unheard when seeking justice. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Central police host GBV awareness campaign
The Pretoria Central SAPS and the Department of Labour held an awareness event on May 29 aimed at discussing gender-based violence (GBV) after the release of the fourth quarter crime statistics. Crime statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year have indicated decreases in contact crimes for Pretoria Central, though the area remains a crime hotspot due to elevated incidents of serious crimes. In Pretoria Central, GBV-related crimes such as rape decreased by two counts (21 cases reported last year down to 19), and sexual offences decreased by four counts (6 to 2). One contact sexual offence was reported compared to none in the previous two quarters. The Central SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit visited department employees at their offices on Francis Baard Street to talk about GBV and issues of femicide. The station's spokesperson, Constable Thabang Nkhumise, accompanied by social crime prevention officer Warrant Officer Queen Mahlangu, provided the statistics and the implementation of strategies by the SAPS to assist victims when reporting such crimes. Other speakers took to the podium to educate the employees on different kinds of abuse and other related crimes. Attendees could raise their views and also engage in a debate. Pamphlets with information and contact details were handed out to the attendees. Station commander Brigadier Gibin Mashaba expressed his gratefulness to the department for engaging with employees, saying continued dialogues such as these are needed to break the social stigmas against GBV. 'We want to urge more departments within the inner city to partake in addressing social ills and a continuous effort to reach out to their employees. The only way to illuminate GBV is to instil a culture of whistleblowing by the community to protect victims and provide them with shelter and any psychological assistance,' Mashaba said. Essential contact information: Women Abuse helpline: 0800 150 150 Childline: 0800 055 555 SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111 Complaints: nodalpoint@ Crime line: 32211 National human trafficking helpline: 0800 222 777 Suicide helpline: 0800 567 567 National Aids helpline: 0800 012 322. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- The Citizen
SAPS arrest many in Ekangala, Bronkies
The SAPS arrested more than 280 people and recovered a firearm in the Bronkhorstspruit and Ekangala areas on May 17. The arrests came through Operation Shanela in the SAPS Tshwane's high-impact crime-combating initiative, targeting the Ekangala and Bronkhorstspruit policing precincts. Captain Johan van Dyk, the Tshwane district communication co-ordinator, said the operation saw 289 arrests for various offences. 'This success is attributed to focused deployment strategies and intensified law enforcement visibility, with specific attention given to liquor compliance and the apprehension of wanted suspects.' Detectives in the Tshwane district were responsible for 226 of these arrests. These included 75 arrests for GBV-related offenses, four for kidnapping, six for intimidation, four for attempted murder, 15 for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and one for rape. A roadblock in Ekangala and mobile tactical teams throughout the area saw 15 undocumented foreign nationals detained. 'Immigration authorities are processing these individuals for deportation,' said Van Dyk. Law enforcers searched 508 individuals and 281 vehicles, leading to 27 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol. 'Additional targeted patrols of 11 identified hotspots resulted in 14 arrests and fines for public drinking. Officers arrested one suspect for possession of an unlicensed firearm. 'The weapon, previously reported as stolen in Rietgat, will undergo forensic testing to determine if it was used in any other criminal activity. The suspect is under investigation for potential links to other offences.' Traffic law enforcement officers issued 81 AARTO infringement notices, amounting to R47 850 in fines, for various road traffic violations. Liquor inspections at 20 establishments saw officers close three premises and confiscate about 306l of alcohol. Under the leadership of the district commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, a multidisciplinary team comprising SAPS members, the Department of Home Affairs, the TMPD, the Gauteng Traffic Police, Gauteng Traffic Wardens and CPFs from the respective stations executed this operation. Major-General Thine thanked all role players for their dedication and teamwork in ensuring the operation's success. ALSO CHECK: House invader rapes and robs young woman in Leandra ALSO CHECK: Drug operation worth millions uncovered in Standerton: Here is what happened At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
22-05-2025
- IOL News
KZN man who allegedly raped six Nkandla school pupils, arrested with community's help
A KwaZulu-Natal man has been arrested for the alleged rape of six pupils from a Nkandla high school. Image: Supplied A KwaZulu-Natal man accused of raping six pupils from an Nkandla high school has been arrested with the help of the community. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, welcomed the arrest. The suspect was apprehended in Durban on May 20 following a joint effort by law enforcement, community members, and other key stakeholders. According to the KZN Department of Education, the suspect allegedly raped six learners. 'This arrest demonstrates what is possible when communities and stakeholders work together. We remain deeply concerned about the safety of our learners, and this horrific incident has shaken us all. However, the unity shown in tracking down the alleged perpetrator gives us hope that such evil will not go unchallenged,' said Hlomuka. He commended the swift and coordinated response by the police, the school governing body, parents, and local residents who collaborated in ensuring the suspect was located and brought into custody. In response to the trauma experienced by the victims, the Department of Education has deployed psychologists to provide immediate and ongoing psychosocial support to the affected learners and their families. The MEC was expected to visit the school on Thursday to meet with the affected families and the school's leadership. "Our priority is to support the learners through this extremely difficult time and ensure their wellbeing is not compromised further,' Hlomuka added. KZN Premier Thami Ntuli also praised the arrest, highlighting the critical role played by the Bhekisizwe Taxi Association in Nkandla and the broader community in tracking down and detaining the suspect. 'I applaud the courage of those who spoke out, the determination of our law enforcement officers, and the resilience of the Bizimali community,' said Premier Ntuli. Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government's zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), stressing that no one, woman, child, or vulnerable person should live in fear. 'Our communities must become safe spaces, and the wheels of justice must turn swiftly and decisively,' he said. He also called for the strengthening of community policing forums, survivor support systems, and for more men to actively stand against abuse. The premier further acknowledged progress in two other GBV-related cases in the province. He welcomed developments in the case of Ayabonga Mjilo, which has been postponed to June 23 and is due to be transferred to the high court. He called for the harshest sentence if the accused is convicted. In the Ndwedwe case, Ntuli condemned the kidnapping and repeated rape of a woman by her former partner and commended the police for the swift arrest of the suspect. 'Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. We owe it to survivors to ensure they are heard, supported, and protected,' Ntuli said. THE MERCURY
The South African
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Paul Mashatile calls for action against GBV as stats reveal alarming trends
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for a national conversation on the escalating crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa, describing the situation as 'unacceptable' and urging urgent systemic change. Mashatile's comments came during a session in parliament on Thursday, following the release of disturbing statistics by Statistics South Africa and the Human Sciences Research Council. According to the data, one in three women aged 16 and older has experienced physical violence, while one in five has faced sexual abuse. Additionally, 33.1% of women over the age of 18 reported being victims of physical violence in their lifetimes. 'We cannot allow this situation to continue,' Mashatile said, condemning the continued abuse of women and children. He specifically referenced the recent murder of seven-year-old Cwecwe from Matatiele, describing the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for reform. The Deputy President urged law enforcement and judicial institutions to expedite justice for victims. He highlighted steps being taken by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), including a victim-centred approach and the establishment of the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) Unit. The SOCA Unit oversees initiatives such as the Thuthuzela Care Centre model, which offers holistic support services to GBV survivors and has reportedly improved conviction rates in GBV-related cases. Paul Mashatile also addressed public concerns surrounding the recent acquittal of Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso, whose high-profile trial spanned more than eight years. He confirmed that the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions is currently reviewing the matter and investigating prosecutorial conduct. In his capacity as Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security, Mashatile confirmed he had already met with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to strengthen accountability across government departments dealing with GBVF. 'Without peace and safety, there is no meaningful development. 'The people of South Africa are looking to us to end this pandemic of violence and restore dignity to survivors,' he said. The Deputy President's statement underscores growing pressure on the government to deliver tangible reforms amid public frustration over the pace of progress in addressing GBVF. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
