Home News 37 GBV cases reported to cops in NC since lockdown

37 GBV cases reported to cops in NC since lockdown

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According to Police Minister Bheki Cele, 37 cases were reported in the Northern Cape and 122 people were charged. Only one person was convicted.

Picture: Bongani Mbatha/African News Agency(ANA)

A TOTAL of 37 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) were reported to the police in the Northern Cape since the beginning of the lockdown on March 26, 2020.

This according to the Minister of Police in response to a parliamentary question by the DA’s Alexandra Abrahams.

According to Police Minister Bheki Cele, 37 cases were reported in the Northern Cape and 122 people were charged. Only one person was convicted.

Nationally there were 2 234 cases reported to the police and just over

4 000 (4058) people arrested. The total number of people convicted nationally was 130.

In his address to the nation on Wednesday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that 30 hot spots had been identified around the country where the problem of violence against women and children was most rife.

“Violence against women and children has continued unabated during the period of the pandemic,” Ramaphosa stated. “We are determined to continue with our resolve to deal with the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.”

He added that as the country moved to the next alert level, the government was increasing and improving support services for survivors of gender-based violence, particularly in the identified hot spots.

“We have to do so not just because the lockdown is being eased, but as part of work already under way to implement the National Strategic Plan adopted by Cabinet earlier this year.

“This includes the roll-out of an integrated and multidisciplinary model that incorporates psycho-social support, case investigation, housing services and economic empowerment for survivors under one roof.”

He stated further that the Khuseleka One Stop Centres expanded on the mandate of the existing network of Thuthuzela Care Centres, and were already operational in districts in the North West, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. “Work is under way to expand this model of care and support to all provinces,” said Ramaphosa.

“Let us spare no effort to eradicate the problem of violence against women and children.”

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