The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, says there is no shortage of rape evidence collection kits, despite claims by Members of Parliament.  

MPs Nicholas Gotsell and Ian Cameron have for months highlighted the alleged lack of rape kits at several police stations, especially in the Western Cape.  

Most recently, Gotsell said he wrote to the Minister and that he lodged a formal complaint with the SAPS Supply Chain Management. 

In a video posted to social media on 24 July, Gotsell said he would be keeping a close eye on the matter.  

In a statement on Tuesday, Minister Cachalia’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said Cachalia wishes to reassure South Africans that the evidence collection kits for both adults and children are available across the country. 

“Rape evidence collection kits form a critical component of the criminal justice process, enabling the collection of forensic evidence that strengthens investigations and assists in holding perpetrators accountable before our courts,” read the statement. 

While noting that the kits were available countrywide, Mogotsi added that additional kits were being distributed to ensure that police stations remain stocked “and that services to victims are not interrupted”. 

“Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) remains one of South Africa’s most pressing national challenges, and the South African Police Service remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that every victim of sexual violence is treated with dignity, compassion and urgency.”