Limpopo women and children remain at risk of GBV, says DA
LIMPOPO – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has expressed concern over the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the province, with reported sexual offences increasing by 11% and 5.4% in the first and second quarters of 2025/2026, respectively.
The DA’s concerns come as the province observes the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which the party described as “bureaucratically rolled out annually” without tangible results.
According to DA Limpopo Provincial Spokesperson for Transport and Community Safety, Marie Helm, the party is concerned that the province recorded 916 reported cases of sexual offences in the first quarter and 957 in the 2nd quarter, totalling 1,873 cases in just six months.
“The rise in sexual offences is a stark reminder of the persistent misguided efforts to instil a lack of zero tolerance for gender-based violence and femicide (GBV+F) in our society. This is made worse by a lack of resources and experienced investigating officers,” Helm said.
She highlighted that residences of perpetrators, victims and public places are the most common locations for reported rape cases in Limpopo, with the Thohoyandou policing area remaining a longstanding rape hotspot.
“During the same period, 3691 incidents of domestic violence were reported, 39 of which were murder cases. The latest StatsSA report on child victims of crime based on SAPS crime statistics indicate that of all crimes committed in Limpopo against children, 54.3% were for rape, the highest percentage nationally. The percentage of sexual assault against children in Limpopo also increased steadily from around four percent in 2010/2011 to around six percent in 2022/23,” informed Helm.
She said the DA believes that GBV can only be effectively eradicated with sensitised police services, funded shelters, trained doctors, nurses, and social workers, and DNA labs that are adequately resourced.
“We call on the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, to utilise the Court Watch programme specifically to track GBV cases and measure the effectiveness of SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the courts in supporting victims,” Helm said.
Helm emphasized that violence against women and children erodes the moral fibre of society, and the DA is committed to holding the provincial government and SAPS accountable in addressing the current unacceptable culture of rape and domestic violence-related crimes in the province.
