THE Gauteng provincial legislature portfolio committee on community safety chairman, Bandile Masuku, says a 21-year-old rape victim's cries landed on deaf ears when officials at the Joburg Central Police allegedly turned her away.
"If the police do not show an interest in taking cases and allowing people to report matters, policing in the area is hugely affected," Masuku said.
The victim claimed the police did this because she couldn't recall the registration number of the car her attackers were driving.
As a result, she said she could not open a case and was forced to bear the pain as her rapists continued to roam the streets.
Speaking to Daily Sun on Thursday, 8 June, Masuku called out the alleged conduct of the police officials and said such behaviour prevents effective policing.
"They should be investigated and those found in the wrong should go through a disciplinary process. We want policewomen and men who are dedicated and empathetic when dealing with gender-based violence (GBV) victims," he said.
Fourth quarter crime statistics revealed that at least 10 512 people were raped between January 2023 and March 2023. Of the rape incident, 4 768 of them took place at the home of the victim or at the home of the perpetrator.
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Masuku expressed disappointment that such an incident happened at a time when the country is faced with an "epidemic of GBV".
TEARS Foundation COO and director Charlene Roberson also expressed the same sentiments, calling out the Mzansi police stations for failing to help victims of GBV and rape to apprehend suspects effectively.
Many victims often withdraw the cases due to insufficient expertise in using rape kits, and the process of analysing DNA is often prolonged.
"Sadly, this is not uncommon. Police do not respond because of a lack of training or the will to assist. There is little to no urgency when assisting a rape victim," Charlene said.
Masuku has advised the victim to report the matter to Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) as they administer police conduct, alternatively, consult community safety department.
