Gauteng targets 10 police stations after rape cases surge, Ivory Park tops list - Lesufi

Gauteng province plans to allocate additional resources to 10 police stations that have recorded a high number of rape cases, aiming to tackle gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The stations, including Ivory Park, Roodepoort, Alexandra, Mamelodi East, Diepsloot, Kagiso, Atteridgeville, Rietgat, Meadowlands and Thembisa, will receive targeted support in policing, victim empowerment, docket management and related services. This intervention aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa's directives on GBVF and violent crime.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasized that the province's failure to provide additional resources to these 10 police stations would be considered a missed opportunity to address the president's call. The surge in GBVF cases followed the discovery of 11 women's bodies in and around Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, and another woman's body found in Soweto, raising the total to 12 fatalities.

Beyond police involvement, Lesufi announced the formation of an intergovernmental committee on GBVF, which will meet weekly to monitor the implementation of measures outlined in President Ramaphosa's directives. The province is also reviewing thousands of protection orders issued through 43 magistrates' courts to ensure proper enforcement. As of now, 3,462 interim and final protection orders are pending in Gauteng's five regions.

The government is increasing funding for departments involved in the GBVF response and intends to provide additional support to organizations working directly with survivors. Gauteng currently operates seven Thuthuzela Care Centres, seven sexual offences courts, 19 medical-legal clinics, 145 SAPS GBV desks, and 131 Green Doors, which offer temporary safe spaces and support to people fleeing unsafe environments. However, Lesufi acknowledged the need for more police GBV desks.