More gender-based violence cases have been struck off the court roll over the past 6 months. According to the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community, 89 cases were struck off the roll. This was mainly due to police inefficiencies.

Allen, says: “These grim statistics leave a bitter taste in my mouth.”

Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen says his department’s Court Watching Briefs (CWB) unit monitored cases between April 2023 and September 2023, over two quarters.

Gender-based violence cases struck off court roll

They revealed that a staggering 243 cases were during this period monitored at 25 courts. These cases were linked to 58 South African Police Services (SAPS) stations across the Western Cape.

He added, “The continued GBV that is plaguing our society must come to an immediate end.”

He says these 243 cases struck off the court roll, were due to SAPS’ inefficiencies.

Court Watching Briefs unit

This consists of 63 cases monitored during quarter one at 8 courts covering 21 SAPS stations, and 180 during quarter two at 17 courts, covering 37 SAPS stations.

“The way SAPS, and by extension the entire criminal justice system, is failing these individuals, often amongst the most vulnerable in our communities, will never be acceptable.” he further mentioned.

Of the 63 cases monitored during quarter one, 26 (41.3%) related to Gender Based Violence (GBV). While in quarter two, 63 (35%) of the 180 cases accounted for GBV. In total, of the 243 cases, 89 are GBV related.

MORE ABOUT: The Court Watching Briefs Unit

The Department says the CWB Unit is an initiative of POCS to enhance its ability to perform oversight of the SAPS as mandated by Section 206(3) of the Constitution. Both reports have been shared with the SAPS.

List of the SAPS stations

Here is a list of the SAPS stations where these mentioned cases originate from Kuilsriver, Manenberg, Athlone, Philippi, Khayelitsha, Harare, Gugulethu, Durbanville, Delft, Lingelethu West, Kraaifontein, Nyanga, Manenberg, Steenberg, Kirstenhof, Ravensmead, Lansdowne, Grassy Park, Philippi East, Mitchells Plain, Kleinvlei, Samora Machel, Mfuleni, Parow, Atlantis, Mbekweni, Paarl East, Groot Brakrivier, KwaNonqaba, Oudtshoorn, De Rust, Conville (George), Laingsburg, Pacaltsdorp (George), Knysna and Beaufort West.

Allen concluded, “It is further concerning that these are just the cases we have monitored and might not paint a full picture of the reality.”

List of courts being monitored

At the same time, courts were also monitored. They are located in these areas: Khayelitsha, Athlone, Wynberg, Mitchells Plain, Bellville, Blue Downs, Philippi, Kuilsriver, Atlantis, Paarl, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Thembalethu (George), Laingsburg, George, Knysna and Beaufort West.

MORE ABOUT: Western Cape SAPS: Poor communication & behaviour

Allen says the criminal justice system has to do better.