Over 500 arrests, 13 life sentences: SAPS intensifies war on gender-based violence
SAPS lauds detectives after 534 GBV-linked arrests and dozens of sentences.
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The South African Police Service (SAPS) says its specialised Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units have made significant inroads in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), arresting 534 suspects nationwide in less than a week.
SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the arrests were for crimes including rape, sexual assault, attempted rape, and other related offences.
"Between October 13 and 19, the specialised units collectively arrested 534 suspects across the country for various sexual crimes,” she said.
During the same period, the FCS units secured 13 life imprisonment sentences and an additional 448 years of imprisonment against convicted sexual offenders in courts across South Africa.
Van Wyk said the convictions followed thorough investigations and meticulous case preparation by dedicated detectives.
Among the recent convictions highlighted by the SAPS was a Bloemfontein High Court judgment in which a 58-year-old lawyer from Welkom was sentenced to three life terms and 61 additional years for sexually abusing five minor children, the youngest just seven years old.
In Limpopo, the Polokwane High Court sentenced a 38-year-old serial rapist to 151 years in prison for multiple counts of rape, attempted rape, and robbery.
Van Wyk said the SAPS was proud of the officers who continue to prioritise the protection of women and children. "The SAPS commends all men and women in blue for their continued dedication and commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are brought to justice," she said.
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