Domestic violence is said to be an ongoing crime in Randfontein.
The question has now been raised why a high number of cases are being reported, but so little perpetrators get convicted.
Michele Clarke, DA Gauteng spokesperson for Community Safety released a statement regarding the conviction rate saying,
During recent oversight visits to various police precincts across the province, it has become clear that domestic violence is an increasing concern in most of our communities.
“Following requests from Bekkersdal and Randfontein residents, I submitted questions to Gauteng Community Safety MEC, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane to establish the state of such cases in these areas.”
Clarke explains the replies show a high number of cases with very low conviction rates.
In Randfontein alone, 511 domestic violence cases were reported in 2014/15 with only 13 successful convictions, while in Bekkersdal, there were no successful convictions, despite 155 reported cases in the same year.”
Clarke added, “These two police stations reflect the state of domestic violence across the province with community after community raising their concerns with us. A successful conviction is largely reliant on good police work and many Gauteng residents are not receiving this service from the officers assigned to their safety.”
Domestic violence, not only in Randfontein, tears apart not only families but the very core of our society. Clarke says she will be writing to MEC Nkosi – Malobane to discuss ways in which domestic violence policing can be strengthened.
Community members who suffer abuse at the hands of those closest to them, deserve the closure and safety that a successful conviction brings.
In May this year, as the Herald reported, a 40-year-old women died as a result of domestic violence in Randfontein.
Domestic violence often gets kept behind closed doors, where women and lately, more men are too embarrassed and humiliated to tell even a close friend or family member.
Station Commander, Colonel Marius Smit from the Randfontein Police station, released the following statement regarding this matter.
“Domestic violence cases are reported at the Randfontein SAPS and it is investigated by the Randfontein Detectives. These cases are investigated without prejudice and in the majority of our domestic violence related cases the suspects are arrested.”
Colonel Smit continued,
Suspects are charged and cases are placed on the court roll. Our hands are then tied when complainants hamper the process, in that they tend to on the day of the first appearance, the complainant will only attend court in order to withdraw the case in court. Some of the cases are heard and then referred for diversion, which are not recorded as a success.”
“Some of the cases are heard and then referred for diversion, which are not recorded as a success.The Randfontein Detectives take these cases seriously and since domestic violence related cases are a priority, all DV related crimes are referred to court. No cases are withdrawn at the Detectives.”
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Also read:
2 500 women murdered in SA each year
Domestic violence turns murder
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