SAPS: 19k arrests for GBVF-related crimes the past year
The South African Police Service says it has arrested more than 19,000 suspects for gender-based violence and femicide, as well as crimes against children, over the past year.
Of these, some 2,300 were convicted.
These stats were revealed by the SAPS as the country marks Child Protection Week.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape registered the most arrests in relation to crimes committed against children.
She said Gauteng recorded 3,293 arrests, while KZN recorded 3,786, and the Western Cape 4,857.
At the same time, President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday sign into law the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill and National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill in a ceremony at the Union Buildings.
“This landmark legislation is a critical step forward in ensuring the safety and security of women from all walks of life,” the Presidency said in a statement.
“The establishment of a council dedicated to drive a whole-of-society approach to combat this scourge is fundamental.
“The council will be the statutory body charged with providing strategic leadership in the elimination of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.”
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