The Limpopo Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units in Limpopo has arrested 82 alleged rapists and an additional 42 wanted rape suspects during the sixteen days of activism, according to a police statement.
A further 11 suspects were also detained for child neglect with the youngest victim being a 6 months old baby. The unit also conducted 54 crime awareness campaigns throughout the length and breadth of the province.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola has commended these successes and expressed his gratitude to the FCS unit members who continue to uproot rapists in the province.
“These successes are a clear indication that the SAPS is unswerving to make Limpopo a safer place for our women and children. I have instructed that all FCS units and all investigating officers dealing with rape cases to be unsympathetic when dealing with rapists”.
“We cannot have a situation where women live in fear of being raped. I am warning all potential rapists out there or those who are even contemplating it that the SAPS will ensure that the maximum sentence is imposed,” said Masemola.
Meanwhile as the year is drawing to a close and celebrations intensifying to usher in the new year, females especially are sensitised to be vigilant to avoid being victims of rape. The following hints should always be adhered to.
- Avoid walking alone at secluded places.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers as they might be laced with drugs.
- Avoid frequenting liquor outlets.
- Parents are sensitised not to allow minor children (girls) to frequent liquor outlets.
- Avoid hitchhiking
- Children should avoid gifts from strangers.
- Elderly women should not be left alone.
South Africa is considered to be the “rape capital of the world”. Whereas estimates vary, more than a million women are raped every year.
