By OBAKENG MAJE
The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it is concerned about the alarming Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases and how they are being handled. SANCO provincial spokesperson, Palesa Zizi said they express deep concern over the escalating cases of GBV in the province and the perceived inadequacies in the justice system’s response.
‘The North West province, has regrettably become a breeding place for criminal activities, particularly in the realm of GBV, Femicide and violence against children. The disturbing reality is that criminals operate with apparent freedom and seem to be well-connected within law enforcement and the justice system.
“It is truly disheartening for SANCO and communities to witness GBV&F cases being dismissed, with courts citing insufficient evidence and allowing perpetrators to be roaming freely on the streets, while victims’ families grieve and prepare for the burials of their loved ones,” she said.
Zizi further said, according to the South African Police Service crime statistics report from July to September 2023, there are 13090 sexual offences (10 516 rape, 1 847 sexual assault, 559 attempted sexual offences and 168 contact sexual offences) reported in South Africa.
She added that, SANCO Regional Executive Committee in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, noted six GBV cases in Klerksdorp since the beginning of this year, which received the necessary support from the REC and its branches.
“These distressing cases ranging from child rape to violent assaults, include that of Soso from ward 8, a 13-year-old child who was raped by their father in ward 11, as well as victims such as Mapule from ward 9, Modiegi from ward 37, Tshegofatso from ward 5 and a 12-year-old child who was raped in ward 7.
“SANCO is worried by the perceived leniency of the courts in granting bail to GBV perpetrators, seemingly prioritizing the rights of offenders over the right to life of victims. The disjuncture between the courts and the SAPS in handling GBV cases is deeply worrying and demoralising not only to victims and their families, but also to the dedicated SAPS personnel,” said Zizi.
She said the police are making arrests, while the courts are releasing perpetrators and this leaves communities with lots of questions. Zizi said the most upsetting being what amount of evidence is required by the courts for the prosecution and arrest of GBV perpetrators.
“Seeing offenders being released on bail or cases of GBV being not handled properly and being withdrawn erodes community trust in the law enforcement. We emphasize the need for the government to take decisive action in addressing the high prevalence of GBV.
“The organisation calls for a review or strengthening of existing laws. If that is where the loophole is, we urge the government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps. SANCO has frequently been in support of the victims of GBV, protesting outside magistrate courts, calling for the magistrates to refuse bail for these perpetrators,” she said.
Zizi said, however, they remain committed in their efforts to persistently advocate for the right to life of the victims, a right that the courts in North West seem to insufficiently protect. She said as SANCO, they will always step up to the occasion where the rights of society are violated and their interests are neglected.
“It is our responsibility to the community of North West and likes to make it clear that we will stop at nothing in safeguarding and defending the rights of ordinary citizens, often overlooked by the courts.
“SANCO in 2024, will be launching the Bua Moagi GBV March as part of its efforts to intensify the call for the government to do more to address GBV and Femicide, specifically targeting law enforcement agencies, lawmakers and judicial system in the province,” said Zizi.
She said they call on all SANCO members across the province to prepare themselves for the march and actively stand against any form of GBV in their respective areas, ensuring that no women, children or persons with disabilities are being assaulted under their watch.
Zizi said to enhance support for GBV victims, SANCO urges the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to repurpose all government buildings, which have been turned into white elephants into shelters for GBV victims.
“We cannot have a government that is unable to take charge or seems to not know what to do with lots of neglected buildings, whereas they can be repurposed for good use. Let these structures serve a meaningful purpose by becoming shelters for victims of GBV and others be turned into SMMEs business precincts or manufacturing hubs.
“As a civic organisation dedicated to the community’s wellbeing, SANCO undertakes to continue its fight against GBV and calls on the judiciary to prioritise the rights of ordinary citizens over those of criminals,” she said.
The Guardian 