Sonke Gender Justice laments the surge in cases of violence against children in South Africa. The recent reports of child sexual assault cases in the country highlight a disturbing phenomenon that demands urgent intervention and systematic and structural reform.
In recent cases that have sparked outrage and anti-gender based violence marches across the country, is the matter of an Eastern Cape young girl who was allegedly raped in the Bergview College school premises in October last year, and two other separate cases of sexual assault of minors reported to have occurred in the same province, and yet no arrests have been made in the cases.
‘’The prolonged delays in prosecuting these cases, even after months have elapsed since the crimes were reported, starkly illustrate the shortcomings in our justice system. It is crucial to recognise that when justice is delayed, it is effectively denied. We demand timely action to ensure accountability and restore faith in our legal system’’ said Bafana Khumalo, Sonke Gender Justice’s Co-Executive Director.
Violent incidents occurring in spaces like schools mirror the broader violence present in society. Schools must be safe havens of learning and development, instead they are becoming crime scenes where children suffer unspeakable violations.
‘’In the case of young Cwecwe it is concerning that the leadership of the school failed to follow school safety protocols and seems to be resistant to collaborate with the investigation. It is baffling why the school took a decision to expel Cwecwe amidst this controversy. These inadequate responses by individuals and institutions in these cases amounts to secondary and re-victimisation and this is in violation of the Victim Services Charter’’ Khumalo adds.
Sonke urges the South African Police Services and Department of Basic Education, the Department of Social Development and National Prosecuting Authority to play their part in ensuring justice for the survivors and calls on communities to be vigilant in ensuring that children are protected at all times.
ENDS/
For media enquiries contact:
Kgomotso Mophulane, Communications & Strategic Information Manager, Sonke Gender Justice on kgomotso@genderjustice.org.za or 0835196187.
Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice on bafana@genderjustice.org.za or 082 5784479.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation. For media releases, reports and news visit https://genderjustice.org.za/ and https://genderjustice.org.za/newsletter-signup/
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