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Stop GBV
The Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has made an impassioned plea to victims of crime, particularly gender-based violence, not to withdraw cases against their perpetrators.
It says the growing trend could undermine efforts to fight gender-based violence and hold perpetrators accountable. The committee raised the issue during its oversight visit to the Fochville Police Station in Johannesburg.
[WATCH] SABC News reporter Calvin Dludla earlier spoke to specialist investigator Mike Bolhuis about the safety of women and concerns around gender-based violence SA. pic.twitter.com/6lpYE8FzW8
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 30, 2025
The visit followed a stakeholders’ engagement session at the Greenspark Community Hall.
“During these engagements, the Committee was alarmed by a report from the Station Commander of Fochville Police Station revealing that 64 cases of gender-based violence were withdrawn by victims, allowing perpetrators to escape justice and remain dangerously free within communities,” says Committee chairperson Bandile Masuku.
Masuku says according to the police, these withdrawals are largely influenced by monetary offers from perpetrators and pressure from families, urging victims to “resolve matters privately”.
“The Committee has condemned this practice,” he adds.
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