SAPS ineffency blamed for GBV cases struck off on WC court roll

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, has expressed anger regarding the latest Court Watching Brief (CWB) in the province.

208 cases monitored between July & September 2022, at 15 courts across the province, were struck off the court roll due to South African Police Services (SAPS) inefficiencies.

Of the 208 cases, 64 are Gender Based Violence related, while the other 144 matters, amongst others include murder, aggravated robbery, possession and dealing in drugs and possession of firearms and ammunition.

The CWB found that of the 144 cases, 74 cases were withdrawn due to an incomplete investigation, while 53 cases were withdrawn, as the dockets were not at the court.

The top 5 police stations in all 208 matters, where dockets were not at court are:

 

-        Atlantis (9)

-        Khayelitsha (7)

-        Delft (4)

-        Lingelethu West (3)

-        Elsies River (2)

 

The top 5 police stations in all 208 matters with the highest numbers of incomplete investigations, are:

 

1.      Atlantis (8)

2.      Kraaifontein (6)

3.      Ravensmead (6)

4.      Kuilsriver (5)

5.      Ocean View (4)

 

Allen described the findings as unacceptable

“This is a damning indictment on the SAPS in the Western Cape, as there is a clear dereliction of duty. Part of the reason why we have these monitors, is to ensure that SAPS is fulfilling their constitutional mandate, and that justice can be served. The findings of this report are wholly unacceptable, as these could have been prevented through basic administrative work and management. Yesterday (Tuesday), I engaged the SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, and there is a commitment from him to study the report and revert in due course.”

“I feel deeply for the victims of these crimes, as these are not merely cases, but actual human beings who are now experiencing secondary trauma, due to justice being denied. It takes such significant bravery for people who have experienced gender-based violence to come forward and for them to be let down by the system at such a basic level is incredibly distressing. With us commemorating 16 days of activism against the violence of women and children, it angers me that all victims, but particularly those in GBV matters have to endure this,” added the Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen.

 

Done By: Mitchum George