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IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Urgent action needed to address KZN's alarming rape statistics
NGO's say the deep-rooted issues that lead to gender-based violence need to be addressed. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives KwaZulu-Natal continues to report one of the highest rates of rape in South Africa, contributing 19.9% to the national total, according to the fourth quarter crime statistics released recently by the South African Police Service. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said that in the quarter under review, provinces such as the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, and the Western Cape recorded decreases in rape statistics. However, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal remained the biggest contributors, at 19.1% and 19.9% respectively. To address the crisis, Mchunu said the government had launched a 90-day Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV+F) blitz. 'This includes the revival of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBV+F, tasked with coordinating government interventions, resolving systemic bottlenecks, and ensuring measurable progress,' he said. But activists say the government's efforts are not addressing the deep-rooted and devastating reality facing women and children in the province. 'It's incredibly difficult to determine the true scale of sexual violence in South Africa because an estimated 95% of rape cases go unreported,' said Women For Change founder and executive director, Sabrina Walter. 'In the official crime statistics published by SAPS, we only see a fraction of the reality, silenced by fear, shame, and a broken justice system.' Walter said the persistent high rape figures in KZN were driven by 'entrenched patriarchy, poverty, and the lack of accessible, trauma-informed support services'. She added that the stats showing that most rapes were committed by individuals known to the victims, and often in private homes, further underscored the need for community-based prevention strategies, said Walter. 'This is exactly why prevention must begin at home, within families, relationships, and communities. It's also why we focus on empowering bystanders, friends, neighbours, and relatives to speak out, intervene safely, and support survivors instead of staying silent.' On the state's response to GBV, Walter said the justice system was failing. 'Every single day, we hear from survivors who were turned away by police, refused the right to open a case, or watched as officers failed to arrest perpetrators, even in clear cases where protection orders were breached.' She called for ongoing, trauma-informed, survivor-centred training for police and for GBV to be declared a National Disaster. 'Without this formal recognition, GBVF continues to be treated as a secondary issue, despite thousands of women and children being harmed or killed every year.' The TEARS Foundation echoed this view, saying it had seen no evidence of a real decrease in rape, especially not in KZN. 'At The TEARS Foundation, we are deeply concerned by the narrative suggesting a national decline in rape cases,' the organisation said in a statement. 'What we are seeing is an increase in survivors being turned away at police stations, more cases being closed without prosecution, and fewer formal reports being made. These are not signs of progress. They are signs of a system that survivors are losing faith in.'
News24
4 days ago
- Health
- News24
What is the state of mind of men who commit GBV? An expert weighs in
Women in South Africa are disproportionately affected by violent crimes, says the police minister. Factors like poverty and distorted views of gender roles exacerbate GBV. An expert says men need to redefine masculinity and embrace empathy. __________________________________________________________________________ It seems like everyday South Africans are reeling from an incomprehensible tragedy. The latest case that rocked the nation is that of Olorato Mongale, a 30-year-old journalism graduate who was found brutally murdered in Lombardy West, Johannesburg, after going on a date. The police are actively working on the case, with one of the suspects killed in a shootout with the cops in KwaZulu-Natal, one suspect is cleared and another the subject of a police manhunt. In the meantime, Olorato's loved ones and the whole country are still grappling with the brutal end Olorato and many women and children across South Africa faced at the hands of men. Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) have become a serious pandemic, leaving women and children facing a frightening reality in their day-to-day lives. Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu expressed that, 'while we acknowledge that GBVF affects all genders, women remain disproportionately affected by rape, assault GBH (grievous bodily harm) and murder. Our resolve to fight GBVF is unwavering'. We live in a culture that glorifies and resorts to violence, and with statistics like one in five women in relationships experiencing physical violence by a partner, its time for men to look inward, change their mindset and denounce toxic masculinity. But first, let's look into what factors create this distressing mindset. The state of mind of South African men who commit GBV Violence as a response to internal or external stressors is a phenomenon that is usually influenced by factors like societal norms, pressures, distorted beliefs about genders and mental illness, Dr Gagu Matsebula, a member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists, tells TRUELOVE. Dr Gagu goes on to explain that, 'The first factor is a sense of patriarchy and misogyny and in this state of mind, women and children are framed as being subordinate or possessions or bearers of male honour. As such, violence is then used to control these population groups and to punish any form of perceived disobedience. Another factor could be a sense of entitlement, where some perpetrators of violence display entitlement over women and children's bodies, lack of empathy and they use aggression to control women and children. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Women For Change (@womenforchangesa) 'Another possible factor that could influence the state of South African men who commit acts of violence against women and children is psychological trauma. We do know that violence, neglect and trauma - to mention a few - in childhood may, and that's the operative word, may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. For an example, violence then becomes a learned or default response to conflict or stress or feelings of powerlessness,' Dr Gagu shares. Issues like poverty and unemployment can also lead men to use violence and aggression to assert dominance and control over women and children, especially in the home. But one thing Dr Gagu couldn't stress enough is that neglect, childhood trauma or ill mental health doesn't automatically lead to a violent man. He implores that 'We should try to shy away or to run away from framing GBV primarily as a mental health issue. By doing so, we are distracting from accountability and the required systemic changes that need to be put into place to deal with the scourge of GBV in South Africa.' Tangible ways men can change their mindset It's easy to tell others to do better, but what exactly is that 'better'? From redefining masculinity to taking part in community initiatives, Dr Gagu breaks down some helpful and tangible ways men can do the work and treat women as equals. 'Men have to learn to challenge toxic ideas of masculinity and here we're speaking about dominance, we're speaking about emotional suppression and we're also speaking about aggression as well,' he shares. 'Men need to redefine masculinity. They need to come up with a new model of masculinity, which is based on empathy, emotional intelligence, emotional expression and viewing women as equals. The other thing that men can do is to undertake what we call positive role-modeling, and that is where male figures who model healthy masculinity, as I've described it, are not only promoted but are also supported as well.' Public figures and community leaders should be consistently speaking out too, says Dr Gagu. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Women For Change (@womenforchangesa) 'When a man has been arrested and has been charged, he must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and if found guilty, he must be sentenced in a manner that sends out a clear, unambiguous message to society about how unacceptable and how abhorrent gender-based violence is. 'So, there must be an enforcement of strict legal consequences. And for those men that have been arrested, it would be beneficial to ensure that we have some form of rehabilitative programmes, either in prisons or via court mandated interventions.' Community initiatives men can join
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Public safety alert: Gauteng officials warn of rising dangers in online meet-ups
As kidnappings in Maboneng rise, people are urged to verify online contacts, meet in public places, and inform loved ones of their whereabouts to avoid falling victim to digital luring crimes. Image: Unsplash The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has issued a serious warning to the public amid a surge in violent crimes linked to online dating and social media mee-tups, particularly in the Maboneng precinct of Johannesburg. This comes after an unannounced oversight visit to Jeppe Police Station on Thursday, last week where the Committee was briefed on a disturbing pattern of victims being lured through hookup apps to Maboneng, only to be kidnapped, robbed, or assaulted. The station management revealed that individuals from across Gauteng are being targeted, with several incidents mirroring the high-profile murder case of Olerato Mongale. In that case, the victim was deceived by strangers met through online or public platforms before being violently attacked. The Committee expressed particular concern about the recent arrest of a gang operating in Maboneng that deliberately targeted members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It condemned these hate-fueled crimes and highlighted that such targeted attacks reflect a broader crisis of safety facing vulnerable groups in urban areas. 'The Committee condemns these crimes in the strongest terms and calls for heightened vigilance from all citizens,'' said the Committee. The warning arrives just as Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu released the Fourth Quarter Crime Statistics (January to March 2025), which underline the gravity of the issues raised during the Committee's oversight visit. According to the national crime data, Gauteng continues to feature among the country's most crime-burdened provinces. The province contributed 19.1% to the national rape figures, making it one of the two highest contributors along with KwaZulu-Natal. Commercial crime also rose nationally by 4.7 %, with Gauteng recording 12,074 incidents, the highest in the country. While national murder rates showed a modest decline in most provinces, Gauteng, along with the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape, still contributed the bulk of murders in the country. These high-crime provinces remain the focal point for SAPS interventions. The risks to law enforcement are also substantial. Out of the 22 police officers killed during this quarter, 10 of them were from Gauteng, highlighting how policing in the province carries deadly risks and speaks to the levels of organised criminal activity. The committee welcomed recent developments in the Mongale case, including the fatal shooting of one suspect during a police operation in KwaZulu-Natal. However, it stressed that two suspects remain at large and that public assistance is critical to apprehending them. 'We urge the public to assist in locating the other two suspects. Justice must be served for Olerato and all victims of these heinous crimes,' the Committee said. The rise in crimes involving victims lured online also reflects a broader trend outlined by Mchunu during the briefing and presentation of the crime statistics. He acknowledged that while progress has been made in certain crime categories, serious concerns persist in sexual offences, commercial crime, and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Mchunu noted that 4,023 cases of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition were reported nationally in the quarter, a 2.7% increase from the same period last year. This data reinforces fears that many of the crimes, including those in Maboneng, are enabled by easy access to deadly weapons. Gauteng residents are being urged to exercise extreme caution when using online platforms to meet new people. The Committee advised against meeting strangers in isolated or unfamiliar areas and encouraged individuals to inform trusted contacts of their plans. They further urged users to verify the identities of strangers through video calls before agreeing to meet in person and to report any suspicious activity to SAPS without delay. As crime trends shift and criminals exploit new methods, particularly through digital and social platforms, authorities are racing to adapt. Minister Mchunu highlighted that fighting gender-based violence, dismantling organised crime syndicates, and removing illegal firearms from circulation remain top priorities for the SAPS and government at large. 'Dismantling kidnapping syndicates and the broader networks behind them is a policing priority. We are adapting our strategies to respond to the digital spaces where many of these crimes now originate.' The public is being asked to remain vigilant, informed, and involved in the shared responsibility of community safety. [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL News
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- The Citizen
Crime stats: Carjacking spikes 80% in Mamelodi
The fourth quarter crime statistics released by the police minister indicate that Mamelodi East police station is ranked in position 2 for carjacking on May 23. Minister Senzo Mchunu announced the country's crime numbers for the fourth quarter of 2024/25, from January to March. Carjacking cases reported to Mamelodi East police increased by 29 this quarter, but declined by five for Mamelodi West police. Property-related crime in Mamelodi East remains a serious concern, as the number of reported cases increased by 27, but there was a decrease of 27 in the number reported to Mamelodi West police. Crimes detected as a result of police action increased by 32% in Mamelodi East. The stats revealed that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs increased by 20 cases and by 13 in Mamelodi West. The good news is rape crimes in Mamelodi East, which were a serious concern, have decreased by 14, but increased by seven in Mamelodi West. Property-related crime is very alarming in Mamelodi East, with a 24.5 % increase, while Mamelodi West reported a 27% decrease. Mchunu said the crime statistics are based on crimes that are reported, and 'we see a decline in various categories'. 'We note that there is more crime in terms of daily lived experience and a feeling of vulnerability.' He said it is for this reason that they are adjusting their methods of fighting crime and adapting to the new trends and threats out there. Turning to the fourth quarter statistics, Mchunu said, as with previous quarters, they are seeing significant decreases in most crime categories when compared to the same period in the preceding year (1 January to 31 March 2024). 'While we have not yet reached our ultimate goals, these figures confirm that we are indeed making significant progress.' The National Policing Policy aims to, among others, strengthen police service delivery to communities by ensuring professionalism and efficiencies in policing. It is supported by the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy, which seeks to address crime and violence at its root cause. He said currently, there are 5 500 trainees at the various SAPS Academies; passing out parades will be in August and November. Mchunu urged the public to exercise caution when consuming and sharing information, especially on social media platforms, where old or recycled news stories are often circulated to create panic. 'These outdated reports can give the false impression that crime is spiralling out of control, when in fact they do not reflect the current reality,' he said. He concluded that for accurate and timely updates on incidents, rely on official SAPS communication channels. 'We remain committed to keeping communities informed and safe at all times.' 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 or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
MPs demand action on police corruption and gender-based violence
During a recent portfolio committee meeting, MPs expressed grave concerns over the rising rates of gender-based violence and rape, calling for urgent reforms and accountability within the South African Police Service. Image: File Rape, consequences for corrupt police officers, and gender-based violence (GBV) were concerns raised by the Portfolio Committee on Police on Wednesday. Delivering the fourth quarter crime statistics on Friday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said that in respect of sexual offences, rape increased. Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal contributed 19.1% and 19.9% respectively to the national total. In the fourth quarter, decreases in rape statistics were recorded in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, and the Western Cape. The fourth quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year is the period covering January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard called the rape statistics horrendous and traumatic to the victims and their families, and that the country was not winning the war on GBV. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The conviction rate for those found guilty of rape was low and was a concern for Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, an African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) MP. Meshoe suggested that the SAPS have regular meetings with the Department of Justice and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to clear out bottlenecks. 'Sometimes the police do their best but when they go to court, the rapist gets an eight-year conviction. This does not instil fear in criminals or those who might commit similar crimes. They have to be taught a lesson that this will not be tolerated in society. Magistrates must issue lengthy sentences,' he said. Echoing the sentiment that crime statistics should strike fear into would-be criminals was Makashule Gana, a member of RISE Mzansi and an MP. Gana said some court cases went on for far too long, and this did not bring comfort to law-abiding citizens. Fadiel Adams, a National Coloured Congress MP, was mainly concerned about the murder rate in Cape Town and the shortage of staff and resources allocated to police stations with high crime rates. Lisa‐Maré Schickerling, a DA MP, said the SAPS is fighting a war on women that does not want to end. Schickerling was concerned that policemen were also involved in rape, and one of the members accused of rape was still on duty. She called for the removal of corrupt police officers and remedial action for poor-performing police stations. 'The conviction rate for those found in possession of firearms is very low. Police continuously re-arrest the same culprits for crime, only for them to be released on bail. This was a waste of resources. This is not a good message we are sending to the community,' she said. Ian Cameron, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, said several police officers involved in crime, including one for rape, are out on bail and working in the police stations and this was a concern. ANC MP Julian Leseletsi Mokoena called for a reduction in GBV and sexual assault incidents, while Erald Alzano Cloete, an ANC MP, called for the SAPS to enforce proper control of firearms and firearm licences in the country.
