Of the suspects arrested, 55 were charged with rape, while six were charged with attempted rape.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe says these arrests form part of an ongoing commitment to ensure that perpetrators of crimes against women, children and other vulnerable persons are acted upon.
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“We remain steadfast in our commitment to create safer communities and to ensure that those who commit crimes against vulnerable members of society face the full might of the law,” Nonyane-Mpe says.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, says gender-based violence and femicide remain priority crimes that the SAPS is determined to eradicate.
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“We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and strengthen partnerships with communities and stakeholders to ensure that perpetrators are identified, arrested and brought to justice. We urge victims and survivors of GBVF to report incidents without fear and to seek the necessary support and assistance. Communities also play a critical role in helping law enforcement by reporting criminal activities and providing information that may assist investigations,” she says.
Help for survivors of gender-based violence
GRIP (Greater Rape Intervention Project) is a Mpumalanga-based organisation dedicated to fighting gender-based-violence and advocating for the rights of survivors of gender-based violence. The organisation can be contacted on +27 83 310 1321.
If you are able to help in any way, please contact Tarryn at ceo@grip.org.za for more information.
To donate, GRIP’s banking details are:
- Bank: Standard Bank
- Name of account: The Greater Nelspruit Rape Intervention Project
- Current account number: 03-259-255-8
You may also click here to donate to GRIP.
