Despite decrease in reported rape cases in Q4 crime stats, gender activists want urgent intervention to end GBV

CAPE TOWN - The latest crime stats show a slight decrease in reported rape cases as compared to the previous quarter.

According to police, 10,688 cases of rape were recorded in the country between 1 January and the end of March this year.

That’s a decrease of 1,115 compared to the last three months of last year.

Cases of sexual assault also declined from more than 14,000 last quarter to 13,452 in the first quarter of 2025.

While the stats reflect a decrease, gender activists continue calling for urgent intervention to put an end to gender-based violence.

Director of the Callas Foundation, Caroline Peters, said that the statistics weren't just numbers.

"We need urgent investment in prevention, in protection and justice. GBV is not just a women's issue, it's a crisis of power and we all have a role to play. Let's break the silence and let's act."