Today, Friday the 13th September 2019, women from across all walks of life have gathered in Sandton, Johannesburg and are staging a protest outside the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Women from civil society organisations, civic movements, political parties as well as women in their individual capacities have gathered outside the JSE in an effort to highlight the scourge of gender based violence and to remind society that violence against women and the girl child can only come to an end with the joint efforts of all aspects of society. It is the responsibility of the state, civil society, faith based organisations, business and all other aspects of society to provide a conducive environment for women to enjoy the constitutionally guaranteed equality, freedom and dignity provided to all.
These sentiments are particularly relevant, following the release of the National Crime Statistics in the National Assembly, by Minister of Police, Behki Cele, on Thursday, the 12th September 2019. Of particular concern to the Commission, is the fact that the latest crime statistics indicate a significant increase in contact crimes. Sexual offences increased by 4.6%, murders have increased by 3.4%, attempted murder increased by 4.1% and robberies at residential properties increased by 0.8%.
Once more the Commission urges law enforcement and the criminal justice system to deliver on their constitutional mandates in ensuring that the right to freedom and security of the person is protected by ensuring that those guilty of these crimes are brought to account.
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Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Alucia Sekgathume Tel: 082 689 2364 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.