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The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Jeff Radebe, has announced the re-introduction of sexual offences courts in South Africa.
This comes as great news considering that South Africa is currently celebrating women’s month, August.
The Minister intends on reinstating 22 specialised courts before the end of this year and another 57 over the space of 3 years.
South Africa currently has one of the highest rape statistics in the world. The high numbers are accompanied by shocking stories of sexual assault and exploitation.
The most recent shocking story to be reported is that of the four month-old baby girl who was raped in Ceres, just outside Cape Town.
The emergence of such courts will no doubt encourage more rape victims to report their rape and/or sexual assault incidences.
Based on evidence from the past, the resurgence of sexual offences courts may increase the rape conviction rate. Mr. Radebe reports that “...the pilot proved to be a huge success as it maintained the conviction rate of up to 80 % over a period of a year”.
The first sexual offenses courts began operating back in 1993 and although they boasted an increased conviction rate Brigitte Mabandla, Justice Minister of the time, suspended their operation due to fiscal problems and a shortage of trained staff.
We can only hope that this project will be successfully launched and the courts will be equipped with a competent, informed and dedicated staff.
Follow Women24 on Twitter.
This comes as great news considering that South Africa is currently celebrating women’s month, August.
The Minister intends on reinstating 22 specialised courts before the end of this year and another 57 over the space of 3 years.
South Africa currently has one of the highest rape statistics in the world. The high numbers are accompanied by shocking stories of sexual assault and exploitation.
The most recent shocking story to be reported is that of the four month-old baby girl who was raped in Ceres, just outside Cape Town.
The emergence of such courts will no doubt encourage more rape victims to report their rape and/or sexual assault incidences.
Based on evidence from the past, the resurgence of sexual offences courts may increase the rape conviction rate. Mr. Radebe reports that “...the pilot proved to be a huge success as it maintained the conviction rate of up to 80 % over a period of a year”.
The first sexual offenses courts began operating back in 1993 and although they boasted an increased conviction rate Brigitte Mabandla, Justice Minister of the time, suspended their operation due to fiscal problems and a shortage of trained staff.
We can only hope that this project will be successfully launched and the courts will be equipped with a competent, informed and dedicated staff.
Follow Women24 on Twitter.
