The Western Cape has finally received a supply of rape kits, but some say the batch falls far short of what is needed.
Over the past few months, Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee raised concerns about shortages of critical policing resources in the province, including rape kits.
Committee chairperson Ian Cameron told EWN some Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units had no rape kits available for adults or children.
The DA’s Nicholas Gotsell says more kits are needed to adequately service communities.
“Whilst there are rape kits currently in circulation in the Western Cape, these are not nearly enough to meet demand. Only 20% of the needs expressed by FCS units have been delivered by the Western Cape Provincial Office.”
Action Society’s Juanita du Preez said the shortage of these essential forensic tools could have serious consequences for survivors seeking justice.
“These are not optional medical supplies; they are essential forensic tools that can determine whether a perpetrator is identified, prosecuted, and ultimately convicted. Every day that a survivor is unable to access proper forensic evidence collection is another day that justice is put at risk.”
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Mihle George
www.ewn.co.za