GBV survivors urged not to withdraw cases
The Gauteng legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has urged survivors of gender-based violence not to withdraw their criminal cases.
The committee's chairperson, Bandile Masuku, said at Fochville Police Station in West Rand alone, 64 cases of gender based violence were withdrawn by survivors.
This was discovered through an oversight visit to the police station on Friday.
In the Portfolio Committee of Police meeting last October, the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service said out of 81,386 GBV cases reported nationally, over 30,400 were withdrawn.
Masuku warned that this allowed perpetrators to escape justice and remain free within communities.
According to police reports, the withdrawals of these cases were influenced by monetary offers from perpetrators and pressure from families.
"The committee has condemned this practice, warning that it not only endangers the lives of victims but also weakens the entire criminal justice system,” said Masuku.
He urged communities to support victims and allow the law to take its course.
“The committee calls on all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community-based organisations, and faith-based institutions, to play an active role in educating communities about the importance of reporting and pursuing justice in cases of gender-based violence. Victims must be protected and supported, not silenced or pressured.”
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