TEARS Foundation questions rape case statistics

Despite government reporting a drop in statutory rape cases, anti-gender-based violence advocacy group The TEARS Foundation says the figures do not reflect the reality faced by survivors.

During a recent briefing to Parliament, the SAPS revealed that 1 853 statutory rape cases were withdrawn between the 2020/ 2021 and 2024/ 2025 financial years.

The service said that factors including stigma, fear of victimisation, socio-economic pressures and alternative dispute resolution played a role.

Call for independent GBV oversight body

But TEARS Foundation General Manager Celeste Louw is questioning the accuracy of the statistics.

She says calls for help remain high and violence against women and children continues.

"I think the second thing that to say what government has failed at is the application of the great laws that we have, the implementation of those laws, and the fact that we have a national disaster, but we have no funding directed at GBV response, lack of training, lack of implementation, and really a complete failure to address the issue."

The foundation is calling for an independent body, reporting directly to Parliament, to coordinate the country's GBV response and hold departments accountable.

DA urges action on lack of rape kits at police stations

Meanwhile, DA spokesperson on Police, Lisa Schickerling, has called on Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to intervene in what the party describes as serious supply chain failures affecting the availability of rape kits at police stations and specialised units.

"Without them, investigations are weakened and justice is delayed. A rape kit sitting in a warehouse helps nobody. Survivors deserve dignity, professionalism, and proper investigations, not empty shelves and excuses."

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