KZN detectives arrest 238 suspects for gender-based violence-related crimes in just one month

The suspects were arrested for crimes such as statutory rape; kidnapping; rape; attempted murder; assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm; child neglect; and indecent exposure. File Picture

The suspects were arrested for crimes such as statutory rape; kidnapping; rape; attempted murder; assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm; child neglect; and indecent exposure. File Picture

Published Nov 14, 2021

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DURBAN – The KwaZulu-Natal police’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units (FCS) arrested 238 suspects for crimes such as statutory rape; kidnapping; rape; attempted murder; assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm; child neglect; and indecent exposure between October 1 and October 31.

Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said South Africa reportedly had one of the highest rates of violence against women and children in the world. But the KZN Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units are on a mission to change the stigma putting the safety of women and children first by gathering all the necessary evidence which leads to the successful conviction and sentencing of the perpetrators.

“The KwaZulu-Natal FCS detectives are not slowing down and they are committed to cleaning up the province. From October 1 to October 31, 2021 the detectives arrested 238 suspects for crimes such as statutory rape; kidnapping; rape; attempted murder; assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm; child neglect; and indecent exposure,” Mbele said.

“They successfully managed to secure a total of 30 convictions, including five life sentences and 356 years’ imprisonment for the many suspects who appeared in the various courts within the province. As more cases are pending in court, it is certain that many other suspects will be receiving sentences that will serve as a lesson to other criminals in the future.”

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