The rate at which women are abused, violated and killed in South Africa remains “worrying and unacceptable”, with many being killed by the people they know, love and trust.
Police minister Bheki Cele released the second quarter crime stats on Wednesday 23 November, which indicated that 13 000 women were assaulted in the country between July and September, 1 277 women were victims of attempted murder and 989 women were murdered during this period.
“As we edge closer to commemorating the commencement of the global 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, the reality is women continue to be victims of violent crimes in South Africa.
“In the three months of reporting, a double-digit percentage increase was recorded for murder, attempted murder and assault GBH against women,” said Cele.
Over 10 000 rape cases were opened between July and September this year, 1 651 of the rape incidents occurred at public places such as streets, parks and beaches and 69 people were raped at abandoned buildings.
“From a sample of 8 227 rape incidents that were perused, it was determined that 5 083 which is 62% of these incidents occurred at the residence of the victims or perpetrators,” said Cele.
He added that shockingly, in just six months, 558 children were killed in South Africa from April to the end of September.
“Police are investigating attempted murder dockets of 294 children from July to September, 1 895 Assault GBH cases, with children as victims, were opened with the police during this reporting period.”
Marking the start of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children on Friday 25 November, Mymoena Scholtz founder of Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development foundation, says women are simply not safe.
“We are not safe as the risk of being murdered and raped in your own home is becoming more and more dangerous.
“Women we are surely a target, we surely are not safe to walk the streets nor to go out at night. Whether it be to relax or just to unwind we are not safe.”
She added that it is scary to live knowing that you can be brutally murdered in
your own home by the very people that must protect you.
“Today I had a small session with our seniors and already cases of abuse were reported one after the other.
“A senior got up and called me one side saying I know of a woman that is being abused but don’t want to talk or don’t want the support.
“Are we not supposed to take care of our vulnerable groups? Should we not protect our innocent and vulnerable people.
“GBV is a reality in our country and if we do not change this as women, we will all be doomed. The time to Rise and Unite is now!”
Lucinda Evans, women rights activist and founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu (Heal our Women), says there is a complete carnage and genocide of women in the country.
“Who is next, your daughter, your mother, your wife?
“Are you still going to vote for a government who is not able to respond to the complete carnage and genocide of women in this country, I can’t vote in 2024.
She added: “Women are dying in this democracy. Is this war, a country at war with its women?”
