South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced new measures to strengthen the country’s response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), following renewed national concern over violence against women.
The announcement came after the discovery of the bodies of 11 women in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, since July. In a televised address on the night of Tuesday, September 29, Ramaphosa described violence against women as a major national concern and said his administration would intensify efforts to protect women and girls.
He said a specialised multidisciplinary task team comprising detectives, Crime Intelligence officers, forensic experts, investigative psychologists and digital investigators had been elevated to the national level to investigate femicide cases. He added that some suspects had already been arrested.
Ramaphosa said resources would be provided to strengthen the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units, while Sexual Offences Courts would also be expanded. He said DNA and forensic evidence processing was being overhauled, with police stations establishing dedicated GBV desks and victim-friendly services.
The President directed the Ministers of Police and Justice to conduct a 60-day national audit of unresolved murders, attempted murders, rapes and serious sexual offences involving women and children. The audit will identify unresolved cases, forensic backlogs, suspects yet to be arrested and cases affected by delays in investigation or prosecution.
Police and forensic authorities were also given 60 days to implement a funded plan to clear forensic backlogs and establish turnaround standards for priority GBVF cases. Ramaphosa said the government would continue acting to ensure that women and girls could live in safety and dignity.
Leave a comment