Only 3% of GBV perpetrators convicted during lockdown
18 September 2020
In a reply to a DA Parliamentary question, the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, revealed that of the 4 058 individuals that were charged for Gender Based Violence (GBV) since the announcement of lockdown in March, only 130 have been convicted. This translates to a conviction rate of only 3%.
It is beyond question that, as a result of the low conviction rate, the justice system is letting down the victims of GBV by exposing them to potential re-victimisation.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will be submitting follow up questions to Minister Bheki Cele asking him to provide clarity on:
The status of the cases for the 3 928 perpetrators of GBV who were charged but have never convicted; and