South Africa’s (SA) Gauteng High Court Judge Ingrid Opperman has highlighted persistent structural barriers in SA’s response to gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual offenses, warning that victims continue to face major hurdles in securing justice.
Speaking during the Judicial Service Commission interviews in Sandton, Opperman cited chronic operational delays, under-resourced police infrastructure, and evidentiary challenges in cases where consent is disputed as key obstacles slowing down the judicial system. Opperman is among five candidates vying for three vacancies at the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Addressing the panel, Opperman highlighted that logistical bottlenecks, particularly backlogs in forensic analysis, continue to cripple prosecution efforts.
“I think the police require far more support, far more resources,” Opperman stated. “DNA testing is delayed, and that inhibits the whole process, so there’s this massive delay that one has.”
–ChannelAfrica–
