Gauteng Boosts Resources at 10 Police Stations to Fight Gender‑Based Violence
Why These Stations Were Chosen
The Gauteng provincial government has identified ten police stations that record the highest numbers of rape cases. Ivory Park tops the list, followed by Roodepoort, Alexandra, Mamelodi East, Diepsloot, Kagiso, Atteridgeville, Rietgat, Meadowlands and Thembisa. The decision comes after a worrying rise in gender‑based violence and femicide (GBVF) across the province.
What the Extra Support Includes
- More police officers deployed to the stations
- Victim‑empowerment programmes
- Improved docket management to speed up investigations
- Additional training for officers handling GBVF cases
Premier Lesufi’s Message
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi stressed that allocating extra resources to these stations is essential to meet President Cyril Ramaphosa’s national directives on GBVF. He warned that failing to act would mean letting down the president’s call for stronger protection of women and girls.
Response to Recent Tragic Discoveries
The initiative follows the discovery of 11 women’s bodies in and around Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, and another fatality in Soweto, bringing the total to 12. These incidents heightened public concern and prompted swift provincial action.
Beyond Policing: A Wider Strategy
Lesufi explained that the province’s response will not stop at law enforcement. A newly formed intergovernmental committee on GBVF will meet weekly to monitor progress on the president’s directives. Authorities are also reviewing thousands of protection orders issued by Gauteng’s 43 magistrates’ courts to ensure they are enforced.
Current Protection‑Order Statistics
According to the premier, 3,462 interim and final protection orders are presently before the courts in Gauteng’s five regions. Officials are tracking their status around the clock in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane and the West Rand.
Boosting Funding and Support Services
The government is increasing budgets for departments involved in the GBVF response and plans to give extra aid to organisations that work directly with survivors. Gauteng already operates:
- Seven Thuthuzela Care Centres
- Seven sexual‑offences courts
- 19 medical‑legal clinics
- 145 SAPS GBV desks
- 131 Green Doors offering temporary safe spaces
Lesufi acknowledged that more GBV desks are still needed to meet demand.
Conclusion
By concentrating extra police presence, victim support, and judicial follow‑up at the ten stations with the highest rape statistics, Gauteng aims to turn the tide on gender‑based violence. The province’s multi‑layered approach—combining rapid policing, court oversight, and community‑based care—shows a commitment to protecting women and girls and fulfilling national GBVF mandates.
