Rape Kit Shortage on the Cape Flats Raises Fears Over Justice for Survivors

     Credits by Parliment of South Africa

A critical shortage of rape kits at police stations across the Cape Flats has sparked outrage and concern that survivors of sexual violence could be denied justice.

The shortage was uncovered during oversight visits by DA MP Nicholas Gotsell, who found that some specialised Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units were operating without usable rape kits. In some cases, the only kits available had already expired.

The affected units serve high-risk communities including Nyanga, Gugulethu, Philippi and Manenberg areas, where gender-based violence remains a daily reality.

Rape kits are vital for collecting forensic evidence used to identify suspects and secure convictions. Without them, cases can be weakened before they even reach court.

Advocacy groups and provincial officials have warned that the shortages could further damage survivors’ trust in the criminal justice system, especially at a time when South Africa continues to battle high levels of gender-based violence.

The crisis has also renewed concerns over SAPS supply chain failures and the state of policing resources on the Cape Flats, with reports that some stations are operating with only a handful of police vehicles.

Community organisations are now calling for urgent intervention, warning that no survivor should arrive at a police station only to be told the system is unable to help them.

Done by Liema Nyengule