Statistics show approximately 51,1% (30,5 million) of the South African population is female. A distressing fact is that a report by Statistics SA shows one in five (21%) of these women has experienced abuse at the hands of a partner.
International studies have also shown South Africa is one of the countries with the highest rate of sexual violence in the world, with approximately 115 rapes reported every day.
Another report released by Unicef in May this year quoting crime statistics released by the police revealed a sharp increase in cases of violence against women, with 969 murders and 1 485 attempted murders recorded from January to March 2023. The report further indicated that of the 28 children who are violently attacked every day, three do not survive.
With these statistics it is good to know that the police have a dedicated unit to investigate violent and sexual crimes perpetrated against women and children, arrest the perpetrators and bring them to book.
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is a specialised investigation unit consisting of three sections, namely the FCS unit that focuses on investigations, the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (Seci) department and Forensic Social Workers Services.
Captain Buks Hanekom, a seasoned police officer with 36 years’ experience, heads the Hermanus FCS Unit, consisting of Warrant Officer Amanda Groenewald, Sergeant Martin Mtholo, Sergeant Nomonde Hlathini, Sergeant Natasha Newman, Constable Tiaan Brooks and Constable Ozuko Bayana.
The Hermanus FCS Unit serves the towns of Hermanus, Kleinmond, Stanford, Gansbaai, Hawston, Struisbaai, Bredasdorp and Napier.
These dedicated detectives investigate cases of family violence involving victims who are 18 years and older, and are related to the alleged perpetrator. It includes charges of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (Assault GBH) and attempted murder.
The FCS Unit’s mandate also includes child protection, focusing on cases where minors (children under the age of 18) have been the victims of rape, incest, sexual assault, common assault, assault GBH and attempted murder.
They also investigate the kidnapping and abduction of children, child abuse and neglect and cases involving child pornography.
Sexual crimes (rape, incest and sexual assault) involving victims above the age of 18 are also investigated by this unit.
“All of these cases are investigated by trained professional FCS investigators of the Hermanus FCS Unit,” explained Hanekom. “We operate on a 24-hour basis.”
The FCS commander pointed out that all cases of child abuse as well as sexual offences should immediately be reported at a police station. The officials at the police station will then contact the FCS detectives who will investigate the matter and explain the way forward.
“It is imperative that all victims of rape and other sexual offences undergo a medical examination, conducted by a professional medical doctor at any state hospital in your area,” Hanekom stated.
“The purpose of the examination is to collect evidence on the victim’s body, and DNA to link a perpetrator to the incident.”
The FCS Unit also uses the services of the Department of Social Development in cases where children are involved for their assistance and interventions and preparing the victim for court.
“Our Forensic Social Workers Services are also used in difficult cases where children need to be interviewed with care, and assist in some cases with taking of child’s statement,” Hanekom explained.
He urged victims not to be afraid to report abuse or sexual crimes.
“You have the right to say no. We are there to assist you.”
The 24/7 standby number for the Hermanus FCS Unit is 082 522 1023.
