Pretoria - The country's sexual offences rate has decreased but Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa says it still remains too high.
Releasing the National Crime Statistics on Thursday, Mthethwa said sexual offences were down by 0.4% over the past financial year of 2012/13.
Rape, including compelled rape, acts of consensual sexual penetration with certain children (12>16 years), has decreased by 3.3% during the past four years.
Sexual assault decreased by 6.2% over the same period, after increasing during the preceding three years.
About 80% of sexual crimes happen amongst acquaintances, at times, amongst close family members.
"What this means is that we are faced with a societal challenge, which requires a societal response," said Mthethwa.
The minister reiterated the point that they were still unhappy and concerned about the levels of rape in the country, adding that the protection of communities was now central to police strategies aimed at reducing incidences of gender-based violence.
Mthethwa said a victim-oriented police service was important in encouraging more people to report these crimes.
He said the reintroduction of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units will go a long way to decrease the numbers in these categories.
Already, Mthethwa said, based on capacity building and investment, there has been a remarkable increase in life sentences for perpetrators of such crimes.
"Since the re-establishment of the FCS units, there were a combined 36 225 years imprisonments."
He said the recent announcement on specialised courts by the Ministry of Justice will help to bring impetus to the finalisation of these cases, which Mthethwa said had a deterrent impact on crime.
"We also believe that continued awareness campaigns with other role-players within government and NGOs will enhance our approach and contribute to reduction of such crimes." - SAnews.gov.za
