Durban — The South African Police Service has revealed that 4 375 perpetrators of crimes committed against women and children were arrested by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit (FCS Unit) between July and September.
The statistics come as South Africa observes 16 Days of Activism.
On its official South African Police Service Facebook page, police said that the awareness campaign, 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is a heightened period to raise awareness of the need to protect women and children against abuse, exploitation, negligence and all forms of violence.
“Through the SAPS’s dedication and commitment, between July and September this year, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit arrested 4 375 perpetrators for crimes committed against women and children,” the police said.
“A further 410 rapists were traced and arrested during the period and 68 of the arrested perpetrators have been sentenced to life imprisonment behind bars.”
Police said that FCS Units around the country consisted of dedicated members that went beyond the call of duty to ensure that survivors of these heinous crimes – rape, murder and child pornography – were treated with the utmost care to avoid secondary victimisation.
“Let us continue to work as one nation, united and committed to protect women, children and vulnerable groups,” police said.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) management calls on all members in their respective environments to intensify the fight against crime … and urge all to unite to end this crippling social illness in our society.”
In September, the FCS Unit in KwaZulu-Natal arrested 491 suspects for crimes such as rape, kidnapping, abduction, attempted murder, assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, child neglect and indecent exposure.
During this period, 37 convictions were secured by various teams in the province. This included nine life sentences and 260 years of imprisonment for a number of accused who appeared in various courts within the province.
In October, officers arrested 238 suspects. During that period, 30 convictions were secured by various teams in the province. This included five life sentences and 356 years imprisonment for accused who appeared in various courts within the province.
Daily News