JOHANNESBURG - The Commission for Gender Equality is calling for a major shift in the country’s response to gender-based violence and femicide, from simply reporting cases to ensuring that they are successfully prosecuted.
The commission said too many GBV cases fall through the cracks of the criminal justice system, leaving alleged perpetrators free while victims are denied justice.
Acting chairperson Mfundo Nomvungu said the National Prosecuting Authority must account for gaps within the prosecution system and demonstrate that GBV cases can be taken through the courts successfully.
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“Let there be an example of these cases in court so that we see that gender-based violence and femicide can actually be prosecuted,” Nomvungu said.
His comments follow President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address on gender-based violence and come as the commission prepares to engage with the National Prosecuting Authority.
Nomvungu said the commission wants the NPA to explain why so many cases are dropped before reaching a successful prosecution.
“It’s no longer an issue of reporting cases. It’s about the system that can put a solid case together to prosecute that case,” he said.
The commission said failed prosecutions can have devastating consequences, particularly when alleged perpetrators return to communities and potentially come into contact with the same women who reported them.
Nomvungu said the justice system must ensure that victims do not walk away empty-handed after reporting abuse.
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