Police in Sehithwa have raised concern over the increasing number of gender-based violence cases especially rape and defilement that are reported late, therefore jeopardising investigations and possible conviction of perpetrators.
This was revealed by Sehithwa Police Station Commander, superintendent Molly Lebala-Moduke during a crime prevention mass prayer held in Toteng recently in collaboration with the police, local churches and community members. They sought divine intervention against cases of gender-based violence, stock theft, road accidents among other social illness troubling the area.
Moduke highlighted that most GBV and defilement cases are reported days after they have occurred, and even after the required period, adding that the delays are caused by parents attempting to discuss the matters as families of both the victim sand culprits.
These delays unfortunately lead to the distortion of the critical and much needed evidence in investigations. Parents were advised to build good relationships with their children for them to open up immediately when abused without any fear.
Moduke added that schools should also have classes where they are educated on issues of GBV in order for children to understand how to tackle such incidents.
Moduke said they are also highly concerned about gender-based violence cases as nothing seems to be working despite the efforts to address the problem. She indicated that in most of the cases, women and children are the victims and the perpetrators are usually very close relatives.
According to her, some of the cases are influenced by the lack of care by parents and also negligence of their children. She also stressed out that GBV affects and traumatises the victim for life.
For his part, Assistant Superintendent Moutlwatsi Ikobeng of Sehithwa Police revealed that they registered two murder cases in the year 2023 against one of last year, 13 defilement cases in 2023 and six last year. Additionally, Ikobeng revealed that they registered 9 rape cases in 2023 against 11 last year as well 3 of child negligence in 2023 while there was none in 2024.
Meanwhile, the assistant superintendent has indicated that a total of 98 livestock has been stolen in their area in 2024, with a total value of P 264 500. Ikobeng stated that stock theft statistics have increased as they registered 74 stolen livestock in the year 2023 amounting to a total of P124500.
