Mapaballo Borotho
The Gauteng Community Safety Portfolio Committee has urged victims of gender-based violence (GBV) to refrain from withdrawing cases against their abusers, warning that this growing trend undermines efforts to combat GBV and hold perpetrators accountable.
The call was made during an oversight visit to the Fochville Police Station on Friday, July 4, followed by a stakeholder engagement at Greenspark Community Hall.
During the visit, the Committee was alarmed by a report from the Fochville Station Commander revealing that 64 GBV cases had recently been withdrawn by victims.
The Committee warned that these withdrawals allow perpetrators to evade justice and remain a danger to society.
According to police, many of these withdrawals are due to monetary settlements offered by perpetrators or pressure from families who encourage victims to resolve matters privately.
The Committee condemned the practice, stating: “Withdrawing such serious cases enables perpetrators to continue their reign of terror, often resulting in repeat offences such as rape, assault, or even murder. We urge communities to support victims and let the law take its course.”
They also noted that this concerning trend is not limited to Fochville but is emerging across the province, threatening efforts to reduce crime and protect victims.
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