Minister Senzo Mchunu outlines critical steps to combat GBVF in South Africa

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to tackling gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), highlighting that the fight extends beyond policing and requires coordinated action across government and communities.

Mchunu was briefing the Multi-Party Women’s Caucus on Thursday, outlining current challenges and government efforts to curb GBVF, which he described as “one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation.”

“The country is gripped by GBVF because of its prevalence and reaching distressing levels throughout the four corners of our country. It is a scourge that threatens the safety, dignity, and well-being of women and children, and it requires decisive action,” Mchunu said.

He stressed the importance of addressing both the pre-incident and post-incident phases of GBVF, noting, “The first part requires the whole society in the main. And whereas the second part requires, in particular, police and justice, and, of course, social development and health.”

Mchunu warned against the misconception that “police alone can prevent or deal with GBVF,” calling for broad societal mobilisation, including members of parliament, legislatures, and community leaders.

“Imagine the work we can do to mobilise society against GBV before it even happens, by engaging women, children, and the entire community,” he said.

Recent crime statistics for the 2024/2025 show increases in sexual offenses, including rape, especially in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, and the Free State. Northern Cape, traditionally low in criminality, also recorded a concerning rise in murders.

"According to the Family, Child and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, 5,871 suspects connected to GBV crimes were arrested during the last quarter. However, only 703 accused persons were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment in the same period.''

Mchunu outlined government structures aimed at tackling GBVF, including the newly established Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) co-chaired by the Ministers of Social Development and Women, Children and People with Disabilities, which oversees the National Strategic Plan implementation.

He highlighted the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS), co-chaired by himself and Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi, as a key body coordinating responses to violent crimes, including GBVF.

Mchunu said an innovative GBVF Information Centre has been established at the SAPS Academy in Pretoria, providing real-time data to monitor and respond promptly to incidents.

On legislative reforms, Mchunu revealed that discussions are under way to overhaul the Criminal Procedure Act, proposing measures such as “no pay for anyone charged with rape or related sexual offences,” to strengthen deterrence.

He also highlighted the need for consistent prosecution regardless of victim withdrawal: “We are saying when cases are withdrawn, police must just proceed with prosecution or with cases, even if the victim has withdrawn.”

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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