Surge in sexual offences in South Africa

CALL FOR REFORM

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

SEXUAL offences in South Africa have nearly tripled in just four years, according to Statistics South Africa's latest Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (GPSJS).

The survey shows incidents rose from 25 000 in 2020/21 to 73 000 in 2024/25, reflecting what activists describe as a crisis of accountability and political will.

Sabrina Walter, founder of Women For Change, said the figures highlight “deep-rooted structural and systemic failures”.

She pointed to entrenched gender inequalities and patriarchy that “normalise violence”, alongside poverty and unemployment, which heighten vulnerability for women and girls.

“At the same time, the constant failure of SAPS and our justice system and low conviction rates have eroded trust in the justice system. Many survivors still fear reporting due to stigma and victim-blaming.

“This increase shows both a real escalation in violence and, in some cases, a greater willingness to report. Ultimately, I believe it is the absence of accountability and lack of political will that remain the biggest drivers behind South Africa's ongoing sexual violence crisis,” Walter said.

She added that police strategies were falling short.