Latest news with #ChildProtectionandSexualOffences
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Police intensify efforts to combat GBV and secure convictions nationwide
The police are escalating their fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) with targeted operations and ongoing investigations across the country. In the past week alone, law enforcement arrested 100 suspects for rape and 16 for attempted rape. This sweeping action forms part of a 90-day blitz designed to bring perpetrators to justice and reinforce public confidence in the police. ALSO READ: Edenvale entities take stand against GBV In a media statement, it was reported that Gauteng recorded the highest number of arrests, with additional suspects tracked down in other provinces. The police also successfully apprehended 67 wanted rape suspects through various tracing operations. These arrests reflect the police's unwavering commitment to fighting GBVF, protecting vulnerable communities, and ensuring justice for survivors. Alongside these arrests, the police continue to secure key convictions in GBVF-related cases through the work of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. In one of the most severe sentences to date, the Bloemfontein Regional Court handed down life imprisonment to a 45-year-old man found guilty of multiple counts of rape involving a minor. The crimes were committed in October 2023. Another significant conviction was secured in Sasolburg, where 30-year-old Tumelo Christian Khotha was sentenced to 26 years in prison for the rape and assault of a 17-year-old girl in March 2022. His sentence followed detailed investigations and a successful court prosecution. ALSO READ: Gauteng Health takes a stand against GBV Additional life sentences were issued in KwaZulu-Natal, where a 48-year-old grandfather and a 45-year-old uncle were found guilty in separate incidents of sexually abusing minor family members. The Mtubatuba Regional Court heard that the grandfather had repeatedly raped his granddaughter since 2020 at their Dukuduku home. In a separate case, the uncle was convicted of sexually abusing his niece in Ezibayeni. In a case involving child pornography, the Bloemfontein Regional Court sentenced 29-year-old Andre Meyer to three years' imprisonment, suspended for five years. Meyer had photographed a 12-year-old boy while the child was using a school toilet, an act that led to his conviction for creating explicit content involving a minor. The police reaffirmed their dedication to addressing crimes against women, children, and people with disabilities. The service noted it remains focused on ensuring perpetrators are held accountable and victims are supported through the justice system. 'The police remain dedicated to protecting children's rights and ensuring justice for victims of sexual crimes, especially women, children and people living with disabilities,' the statement read. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga teen girl charged for lying about rape ordeal
The girl fabricated the story to conceal her visit to a male friend. On Wednesday, Mpumalanga police were sent on a manhunt for two men who were driving a black VW Polo from Dullstroom to Lydenburg on Sunday on allegations of rape. However, this turned out to be a smokescreen. According to Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, a 16-year-old girl reported to police that she was hitchhiking on Sunday and got raped after being given a lift by strangers. 'According to the report, the female victim was from Dullstroom, heading to Lydenburg, when a black VW Polo with two male occupants stopped and offered her a lift. She then accepted the offer,' said Mdhluli on Wednesday. ALSO READ: These are Gauteng's hotspots for murder, rape, kidnapping, carjacking and house robbery 'After passing Coromandel, the driver diverted the vehicle into a secluded area. The passenger allegedly covered her mouth with a cloth emitting a chemical smell, causing her to lose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, she realised the passenger was busy raping her.' A case docket was opened and assigned to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for investigation. At the time, acting police provincial commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, promised the public that the members assigned to investigate would hunt down the suspects until they were brought to justice. 'She lied' However, there was no rape case to investigate and consequently, no suspects to arrest because this was a fabricated story. Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said on Friday that the 16-year-old girl had been charged with perjury after investigations revealed that she fabricated the entire story. ALSO READ: Crime stats: SA records decrease in murders but increase in rapes 'The FCS Unit immediately launched an investigation into the case, which had attracted significant public attention. However, during the course of their investigation, it was established that no rape had occurred. The girl eventually confessed that she had visited a male friend and, fearing her parents' reaction, chose to lie about being raped,' said Ndubane. Mkhwanazi expressed deep disappointment at the false report and issued a stern warning to the public about the seriousness of making false statements to the police. 'We will not show mercy to individuals who open false cases. The crime statistics for the last quarter of 2024/2025 indicate an increase in sexual offences. It is therefore extremely concerning and disheartening when people abuse the system by reporting fake cases. These actions waste police resources and undermine our efforts to fight gender-based violence, which we treat as a top priority. ALSO READ: GBV, femicide receiving 'priority attention', says Gauteng police commissioner 'False reports insult the real victims of GBV, who are genuinely suffering and need our support. We urge members of the public to work with us honestly. Anyone found to be providing false information will be charged. We will not hesitate to make an example out of such individuals.' Mpumalanga rape stats Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently released the fourth-quarter crime statistics and revealed that three Mpumalanga police stations were among the top 30 stations with reported cases. These are Masoyi, Calcutta, and Kabokweni police stations, all located in the Ehlanzeni district, which have recorded an increase in their cases. Most incidents occurred in the residences of either the perpetrator or the victim, with 362 cases recorded, followed by public places, with 161 cases. NOW READ: Justice department's poor record-keeping delays protection orders for GBV victims – AG
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Dullstroom teen raped after catching lift with strangers
A 16-year-old girl was raped after being given a lift by strangers in Lydenburg on 1 June at approximately 16:00. According to a media statement issued by the SAPS, the female victim was from Dullstroom, heading to Lydenburg when a black VW Polo, with two male occupants, stopped and offered her a lift. After passing Coromandel, the driver diverted the vehicle into a secluded area where the passenger allegedly covered her mouth with a cloth emitting a chemical smell, causing her to loose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, she realised the passenger was busy raping her. A case was opened and assigned to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for investigation. The suspects are still at large and police are appealing to members of the public who may have information that may assist in locating and apprehending the suspects to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Gabsile Mlangeni on 078 751 3463. Alternatively, people may share information by calling the Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send details via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has promised that the members assigned to probe this incident, will hunt down the suspects until they are brought to book. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- The Citizen
Teen jailed for the rape of a 12-year-old
A 16-year-old was jailed for 10 years for the rape of a 12-year-old girl when he appeared in the Madadeni Regional Court on May 8. He was give an additional five years for sexual assault and the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm. According to initial police reports, the incident occurred on August 6, 2023. 'The victim told her mother that the accused, who was known to her, had attacked and raped at by a nearby riverbank,' confirmed police. The victim's mother immediately reported the matter to the police. Sergeant T.P. Mdluli worked tirelessly to secure the the conviction and sentence. Lieutenant Colonel S.L. Chapi, Commander of the Newcastle Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, congratulated Sergeant Mdluli for her dedication and thorough investigation that ensured the accused's conviction. The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550). At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- The Citizen
Tiny bags, big comfort for traumatised kids
Children who have been exposed to severe trauma have a difficult life, and the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference. Matla A Bana is a national charity organisation focussing on supporting children who report rape and abuse against them. According to their project manager, Lizel van Eden, this very NPO recently had a community get-together known as Red Day to support these children. Also read: Red Day event at the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court 'Matla A Bana is proud to be part of community-driven projects, and on May 8, we once again witnessed how the business community dedicated their time for Red Day. The aim is to make a difference in the lives of children exposed to severe trauma,' she explained. 'In South Africa, the most predominant age of child rape victims are between the ages of five and 12. We were blessed with 100 comfort packs, and these packs were received by the Krugersdorp Regional and Children's courts as well as the Krugersdorp police's Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit. 'A comfort pack makes a direct impact in the life of a raped child,' she said. Lizel concluded to thank everyone involved for this incredible donation during the month they focus on child protection. If you want to donate to Matla A Bana's cause, click here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
