The Free State police have noted with concern the number of rape cases reported at various stations in the province and urged the community to join them in curbing these crimes.

The third quarter of 2023/2024 police crime statistics revealed a 6.9% increase in the number of rape cases reported in the Free State. Meanwhile, the North West increased by 12.9% from the second quarter statistics.

The Northern Cape had the lowest increase with a 3.5% in the third quarter statistics.

The rise in rape cases is a huge concern for the police. Picture: statista.com

“An alarming increase in rape incidents where women are raped while under the influence of liquor or other substances is a concern for the police in the Free State,” said Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli.

“As a result, the police would like to urge the community to join them in curbing these crimes by raising awareness.”

Tips and warnings to raise awareness

• Reporting of rape cases. Rape incidents should be reported immediately at the nearest police station and the victim will be interviewed privately in a victim-friendly facility.
• Underage drinking. Stations have also reported an increase in rape cases where minors are victims, and some were found to be highly intoxicated. Police are pleading with tavern owners to adhere to rules on the sale of liquor.
• Minors alone at home. Some victims complain their stepfathers or family members have raped them. Parents should not leave minors unsupervised at home at any time as this endangers their lives.
• Do not walk alone late at night. It was discovered most victims are targeted while walking home at night from a drinking place. The community is urged to stop walking alone late at night, especially in open and dark areas.
• Reporting of gender-based violence cases. In some instances, the boyfriend or ex-boyfriend forces himself on the victim, which is a criminal offense.

‘There are various reasons why victims do not report rape cases’

Another problem concerning rape cases is the under-reporting of them in South Africa and there are various reasons why victims do not report these types of crimes.

“Rape is a traumatic experience and the trauma can leave victims in a state of shock or denial, making it difficult for them to report the crime immediately or at all. They may also fear re-traumatisation by the reporting process and subsequent legal proceedings,” said ENGO Free State’s Director of Family Care Dr Madelein Nortjé.

“There might be various reasons why victims do not report these crimes.  It might be because of the stigma and shame – victims fear being judged or blamed by society, family, or friends.”

The different types of rape. Picture: abetterwaymuncie.org

“Victims may also fear the perpetrator or their associates if the perpetrator is known to them or someone in a position of power. It might also be that some victims are not fully aware of their rights or the legal processes involved in reporting a rape,” she said.

A poll done amongst more than 650 women by 1000 Women Trust showed that 81% of them who suffered at the hands of perpetrators of gender-based violence, said they did not want the crime to be reported, but preferred somebody to be a listener as they share their stories about gender-based violence in a safe space with a supportive and empathetic person.

Thuthuzela Care Center gives tips on what to do if you have been sexually violated

• Do NOT wash or change clothes – clothes can provide important evidence of rape.
• Report the rape to someone you trust, the police or the TCC, as soon as possible.
• If there is no TCC, go immediately to the nearest clinic/ hospital for medical assistance.

‘Sex workers do not trust the police because of their job’

“Most victims choose not to report their cases because of external arrangements made between the victim and the perpetrator or the perpetrator's family,” said Thuthuzela Care Center’s Provincial Manager Advocate Shakes Phelane.

“Unfortunately in most cases, money would have exchanged hands as compensation for the victim. Due to the tough socio-economic conditions of the country, most victims are satisfied with receiving financial rewards instead of proceeding with the case at SAPS.”

When it comes to sex workers being victimised by their clients, they do not trust the police because they are further victimised by the type of job they do, said Towers of Hope Managing Director Rev De la Harpe le Roux.

Many rape cases are not reported because of a fear of stigma. Picture: slideserve.com

Public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of reporting a rape and the procedures to do so are important and access to counselling and emotional support is important and victims need to know where to find support, said Nortje.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg