The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has warned that the withdrawal of sexual offences cases by victims continues to undermine South Africa’s (SA) justice system. The concern was highlighted in one of four reports the commission released over the past weekend.
In Mpumalanga province, the high rate of case withdrawals has emerged as a significant barrier to justice. Many victims reportedly retract complaints due to fear, stigma, and insufficient support, leaving perpetrators unpunished.
CGE Spokesperson Tsietsi Shuping said the trend highlights the urgent need for intervention. “Victims often withdraw cases because they feel unsupported or unsafe, which allows offenders to evade accountability,” Shuping said.
The commission notes that while the SA Police Service conducts outreach programmes that encourage reporting, there is limited progress in strengthening the capacity to handle the growing number of cases effectively.
“The CGE submits that addressing this workload is critical,” the report states. “Improving capacity will enhance efficiency, protect staff, and ensure timely justice for both teams and survivors.”
–ChannelAfrica–
