As South Africa grapples with a disconcerting crisis of gender-based violence (GBV), a recently identified trend of victims withdrawing cases against their abusers has raised alarm, prompting calls from various organisations.
It is explained that with the country’s femicide rate reported to be five times the global average, these withdrawals are not merely administrative hiccups; they signify a potential tragedy for victims and their families.
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) has taken a stand against this alarming trend, highlighting widespread reports from survivors who arrive at shelters only to disclose that their cases have been mishandled or retracted at police stations, often under undue pressure.
“This is not a procedural failure; it’s a betrayal of justice. Pushing survivors to drop charges isn’t just negligent; it’s dangerous because it puts women straight back in the hands of their abusers. This is a worrying signal that SAPS has no intention of holding perpetrators accountable. That’s not policing; it’s complicity.”
The organisation challenged the notion that reconciliation equates to safety, insisting that the primary role of law enforcement should be to protect those in danger rather than coax them back into harm’s way.
“We cannot separate these failures from the broader crisis in how GBV and femicide cases are handled. At a time when we need a police service committed to protecting women and children, SAPS’s collapse of integrity risks destroying survivors’ trust in the justice system – and their chances of accessing justice at all.”
Concerned voices have echoed throughout the Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, especially following a recent oversight visit to Fochville Police Station, where startling revelations showcased that 64 GBV cases had been withdrawn.
Victims reported facing immense pressure from perpetrators, which often included financial incentives and coercive family dynamics, ultimately compelling them to resolve matters privately, not only undermining their safety but also jeopardising the integrity of the justice system.
“When cases are withdrawn, we effectively give a free pass to repeat offenders,” said the Committee.
These systemic failures not only hinder efforts to combat crime but threaten to escalate violence against women, leading to graver transgressions such as rape, assault, and murder.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Committee has condemned these troubling national trends, urging immediate community action. They are calling on various stakeholders, traditional leaders and community organisations included, to take proactive roles in educating society about the importance of reporting GBV incidents and fostering communal support for survivors.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star