Rape survivors 'turned away' as police stations run out of kits

SURVIVORS of sexual violence in the Western Cape face renewed barriers to justice amid back-and-forth claims over rape kit shortages in the province.

- BY TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

Reports indicate that over 30 police stations, including in high-crime areas such as Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain and Mfuleni, as well as rural outposts like Laingsburg and Riebeek West, have no adult or child rape kits in stock.

Some kits were reportedly expired as of October 2025, with survivors allegedly told to return later or travel long distances for assistance.