Hundreds of Rape Cases Closed as Victims Vanish from the System
New
figures revealed in Parliament show that more than 800 rape cases were closed
over the past three financial years because victims could not be traced. The
revelation has sparked concern among politicians, activists, and community
leaders, who fear many survivors may have been failed by the very system meant
to protect them.
The
news comes at a time when questions are already being raised about the handling
of rape cases in the province. Recent reports claimed some police stations
faced shortages of rape kits, making it harder for survivors to provide
evidence after attacks. Police denied the claims, saying enough kits were
available.
Now attention has shifted to how investigations are managed. DA MP and Parliament Committee on Police, Lisa Schickerling, says the numbers provided by police do not add up
The
pressure on detectives could also be part of the problem. Schickerling
agrees
that a shortage of detectives in the Western Cape could be one of the reasons
why these cases were closed.
The
Western Cape currently faces a shortage of nearly 800 detectives, leaving many
officers with heavy caseloads and limited resources.
Activists
say the figures point to deeper problems within the criminal justice system and
are calling for greater accountability, better investigations, and stronger
support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Done By: Liema Nyengule
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