Department Urges to Report Abuse Amidst Rising Rape and Murder Cases

Recent cases include the tragic murders of a 16-year-old girl in Madikana Village, Limpopo, and a 19-year-old girl in Hammanskraal, Tshwane.

The Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities has called on communities to report any incidents of abuse involving women, youth, and people with disabilities to their local police stations. This appeal follows alarming statistics showing a sharp rise in rape and murder cases across South Africa.

Between April and June of this year, 9,309 rape cases and 6,198 murders were reported, according to recent crime statistics. "These figures demand that society is on high alert regarding the growing incidences of rape and the murder of young girls and children in the country," department spokesperson Cassius Selala stated.

Recent cases include the tragic murders of a 16-year-old girl in Madikana Village, Limpopo, and a 19-year-old girl in Hammanskraal, Tshwane.

Selala emphasized that women's rights are fundamental human rights, including the right to live free from violence and discrimination. He highlighted the government’s efforts through the Constitution and various laws designed to combat crime.

He also stressed the importance of collaboration with communities, non-governmental organizations, and community policing forums, as well as faith-based organizations, to promote women's rights and ensure gender equality and social justice. "We must unite to defend and protect the rights of all South Africans, especially women and children," Selala added.