Government is set to increase the national footprint of sexual offences courts as part of the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
“Going forward, we will increase the national footprint of sexual offences courts, particularly in rural communities with additional 16 sexual offences courts to be established in line with the recent amendments to the law and two additional TCCs (Thuthuzela Care Centers).
“The Sexual Offences Courts shall assist to deal with the alarming figures of sexual violence in the country and offer support services that are tailor-made for the survivors of sex crime,” Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said.
This as she tabled the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Budget Vote on Wednesday.
The Minister said that GBVF continues to devastate individuals and communities.
“We have a duty to do all that we can to protect the victims of gender-based violence, especially women and children. In this connection, the department has adopted a victim biased and victim centric approach which puts the victim first to avoid case bungling which gets perpetrators off the hook and secondary victimisation.”
This as over the 2024-25 period, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) recorded 3 697 convictions in relation to sexual offence with over 79% convicted with direct imprisonment, while 44 147 victims were supported at the 66 TCCs across the country.
“In collaboration with [the] SAPS [South African Police Service], the DNA project has processed 60 518 DNA samples to track and deal with repeat sexual offenders and serial rapists.”
Additionally, the department will ensure that all convicted sex offenders are registered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders (NRSO) and initiate a process to review legislation that is currently an inhibitor to the public release of this register.
The department further plans to ensure that protection orders are served by the clerk of the court on the respondent no later than 24 hours from the time the order is received by the clerk of the court.
TRC matters
On matters related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Minister said it was important for all of society to work together to heal the divisions of the past.
“The TRC made recommendations and in June 2003, Parliament approved the granting of reparations to TRC identified victims in respect of final reparation in the form of a once-off grant of R30 000,00; medical benefits and other forms of social assistance; symbols and monuments; and rehabilitation of communities for purposes of contributing to healing the wounds of the past and restoring human dignity.”
She added that the total amount paid to individuals as interim reparations stands at almost R53 million while the total amount paid for the final once-off individual grants is just below R500 million.
In basic education, the total number of learners funded is 11934 and the payments made to the beneficiaries in respect of this reparation is about R137 million.
The total number of students funded is 1922 and the payments made to the beneficiaries in respect of this reparation is R132 million.
“[The] Gallows Exhumation project out of a total of 180 remains recovered including missing persons, gallows and other cases 76 have been handed over to families and will conclude two that are remaining this year.
On TRC related criminal cases and inquest work, there are total of 158 separate investigations. There are a total seven reopened inquests, 10 formal inquests, six finalised inquests, four pending inquests and two convictions.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has established A Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations regarding efforts or attempts were made to stop the investigation or prosecution of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases to be chaired by retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe,” said the Minister.
READ | President establishes commission of inquiry into delay in TRC cases
The establishment of the commission of inquiry is part of an agreement reached in settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes.
Fighting fraud and corruption
On matters related to the fight against fraud, the department will increase efforts towards disrupting and reducing the effects of organised crime through a multi-stakeholder approach. It will collaborate closely with key partners, including the SAPS, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
“The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the NPA successfully recovered over R3.9 billion in ill-gotten gains through the implementation of the Corporate Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism, thus ensuring that persons and entities do not benefit from unlawful activities and corruption.”
In the financial year 2024/25, the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) recovered a cash value of more than R833 million, assets to the value of R 1.3 billion, set aside irregular contracts worth R 5.6 billion and prevented potential loss to the state to tune R 2.7 billion.
“The establishment of the Special Tribunal has allowed for expedited resolutions and substantial recovery for the state, showcasing the Unit's effectiveness. The SIU will also enhance its anti-corruption through among others establishing a dedicated Lifestyle Audit Unit as a permanent capability to enhance its mandate in detecting unexplained wealth and preventing corrupt practices.”
"This initiative includes the acquisition of an advanced lifestyle audit analytics tool that will increase efficiency and enable high-quality, evidence-based reporting. The Unit will ensure protection of whistle-blowers and SIU personnel integral to upholding the integrity of anti-corruption efforts,” said Kubayi. -SAnews.gov.za
