- banning the withdrawal of defilement and child-related cases
Women Against Rape (WAR) has commended the decision by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to ban the withdrawal of defilement and child-related cases.
DPP director, Kgosietsile Ngakayagae recently revealed during a press conference where he outlined their road map prioritising the fight against corruption, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and crimes involving minors.
Ngakayagae stated that the decision was motivated by the alarmingly increase in the withdrawal of cases by GBV and defilement victims. He highlighted that on an annual basis they record countless GBV cases involving women and children though 95 percent of them end up being withdrawn before trial even resumes.
He stated their decision was made based upon the safety and protection of GBV and powerless victims who tend to remain vulnerable to their perpetrators time and again.
He stressed that the issue is of national and major concern and stressed that in order to protect minors and GBV victims, wise decisions had to be taken. He added that in order to enhance defilement and rape cases trials, a specialised sexual violence unit is to be established.
DPP Director additionally announced that all cases including those involving prominent persons are to be pursued further without fear and favour, highlighting all legal decisions will be based on concrete evidence and the rule of law not suspicions only.
Responding to the development, WAR head of counselling, Paul Radichaba welcomed the decision saying it is a bold step taken by the legal entity and administering justice.
He said all perpetrators must face the consequences of their actions and all citizens, victims and the vulnerable should remain protected and feel safe in a peaceful country at all the time.
He explained that GBV and defilement cases drag on for so long, to an extent that most victims end up giving up on seeking justice. Radichaba narrated that of recent they had one defilement case withdrawn, in which the victim who is now a tertiary student gave up fighting for her justice.
He also complained that in most cases perpetrators are also granted bail which he says sometimes endangers victims’ lives. He alluded that the DPP’ s development will therefore come to aid as now victims will be motivated to fight for their justice as they remain hopeful it shall finally be served.
The head of counselling concluded that though some victims will still want to withdraw cases, the DPP remains adamant that it will pursue them, adding this will not only fulfill the law and protect the victims but will also protect future victims as well.
Meanwhile, Radichaba has said at WAR, they have this year from January to March, recorded a total of 64 cases, 16 being of physical violence of which 2 involved males whilst 14 involved females.
He added that 36 were emotional violence cases of which 16 involved men whereas 20 involved women. Radichaba further revealed that they had 10 sexual violence cases of which 9 were against women while only 1 involved a man. Radichaba stated they only had 2 economic violence cases, 1 case per gender. WAR head of counselling mentioned that out of 9 female sexual violence cases 2 involved girls under age
