Out of the approximately 150 domestic violence cases that have been reported at the Randfontein SAPS over the last year, 149 were withdrawn without the perpetrators being brought to book.
According to Randfontein CPF interim chairperson Zaheer Gangat, this disturbing statistic is a huge concern.
“Domestic violence is probably one of the most savage and abhorred crimes one can commit,” says Gangat.
“Unlike the physical injuries victims sustain, the emotional scars remain forever.
“This is evidenced by the fact that so many of these cases are withdrawn.
“It sows the amount of psychological control the control the perpetrators of such crimes have over their victims.
“They are able to beat their partners senseless and then play on their feelings to such an extent that the partners feel sorry for them and withdraw the cases.
“I believe that in a large percentage of these cases, charges are withdrawn out of fear as well.”
Gangat urges the victims of domestic violence to see their cases through.
“The fact is, if he has done it once, chances are that he will do it again, no matter how much he promises he won’t.
“The only way to free yourself from the relentless abuse and avoid living a life of misery, is to see the case through and let him pay for what he has done.”
According to Randfontein SAPS spokesperson Captain Appel Ernst, it is a waste of effort and resources if people lay charges to teach their partners a lesson. They should do it for the right reasons such as justice.
“Personally I feel that people are misusing the system.
“Officers spend hours working on a case only to have the complainant withdraw it for reasons unknown.
