Police say sexual violence cases are increasing

Kwatsaduza – Sgt Theo Jacobs from the Springs SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FSC) Unit has warned that sexual violence cases in the east of Ekurhuleni have increased since the introduction of lockdown level three regulations.
The unit deals with gender-based violence (GBV), sexual abuse and child-related issues which include cases of abandonment, rape and child abuse.

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Family-related crimes are committed by people who are known to the victims.
The department in Ekurhuleni serves six police stations with 17 investigating officers. Only three investigating officers work over weekends.
Tsakani is a hot spot for sexual violence and family-related crimes, followed by Duduza.
Duduza police spokesperson Sgt Harry Manaka reiterated Jacobs’s views and said since lockdown in March last year, they have identified a concerning pattern of sexual violence cases increasing when the alcohol ban is lifted.

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“This is also evident in recent weeks. We have identified an increase of these cases since residents have had access to alcohol.
“To us, this paints a picture that alcohol is a contributing factor to sexual violence cases.
“People go out partying and clubbing at night, and when intoxicated they lose their sense of reasoning and commit some of these cases.
“Through the curfew and ban on alcohol, we saw a decline in these cases but now they are on the increase again,” he explained.
Manaka said when it comes to cases of statutory rape they do not compromise.
“The perpetrators are often known to the victims.
“In some cases you find the family tried to solve the case without involving police.
“This is wrong and those involved can be charged under the Children’s Act.
“Anyone, even a neighbour, can report such a case to police and if police can prove the parent or guardian doesn’t care or give attention to this matter by reporting it to police, they will be charged accordingly,” he added.
Jacobs encouraged residents to utilise the services of the FSC Unit.

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“After the crime is reported and an investigating officer in the unit is assigned to the case, they interview the complainant.
“If the victim is a minor or requires the services of a care centre they are moved to either the Tsakani Care Centre or the Far East Care Centre.
“Here they receive medical attention, which includes a rape kit where evidence is collected.
“The evidence is packaged and sent to the forensic laboratory which determines whether the suspect has committed other crimes before,” he said.
Manaka urged residents to be patient when cases are in court.
“We often receive complaints from victims and their families about not being updated about their cases.
“When they see the suspect out on bail they get angry and blame the courts for granting them bail.
“We should all remember that police holding cells or prisons are not there to punish the perpetrators but to accommodate the suspects to ensure they attend court proceedings as expected until a ruling has been made by the courts,” he added.

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