Gauteng authorities warn against withdrawal of GBVF cases
This comes amid growing concern that case withdrawals undermine efforts to combat GBV and hold perpetrators accountable.
Picture: Pixabay Fist aggression GBV gender based violence
JOHANNESBURG - The portfolio committee on community safety in Gauteng is urging crime victims, particularly of gender-based violence(GBV), not to withdraw criminal cases against perpetrators.
This comes amid growing concern that case withdrawals undermine efforts to combat GBV and hold perpetrators accountable.
The committee made the call during its oversight visit to the Fochville police station on Friday.
It found that 64 cases of gender-based violence were withdrawn by victims.
Portfolio committee chairperson - Bandile Masuku has highlighted that the pattern of withdrawal is not unique to Fochville, but is emerging as a province-wide concern.
“The committee strongly condemns this practice, warning that it not only places victims at further risk but also undermines the integrity of the criminal justice system. The withdrawal of serious cases such as GBVF enables repeat offences including rape, assault, and other cases, even murder. The committee urges communities to stand with victims and allow the law to take its course.”