KZN MEC urges rape survivors to pursue charges
The withdrawal of rape and gender-based violence cases cripples the justice system says KwaZulu-Natal's Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza.
Khoza says reports show that a high number of these cases never reach the courts as victims usually come back to withdraw charges.
The MEC says it's one of many concerns they face in the fight against gender-based violence.
Khoza says in some cases, the victims are influenced by family members.
"Cases are being withdrawn after a number of people come to report rape, gender-based violence cases, but the following day you would see the family coming to withdraw the case."
"We appeal to our communities, don't do that, because the stigma and pain still rest with the victim and it grows and it doesn't go away," she said.
Khoza's visited KZN's Ugu District, an area that's reported a high number of rape cases in the province.
