Johannesburg: The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to tackling and preventing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) through intensified nationwide operations and dedicated resources across the country.
According to South African Government News Agency, nationwide operations and police actions conducted between 23 – 29 June resulted in the arrest of 145 suspects for rape, with Gauteng recording the highest number of arrests at 35. Additionally, police apprehended 77 wanted rape suspects and tracked down 14 individuals for sexual offences in various provinces.
SAPS is enhancing its response to combating GBVF through targeted interventions and collaboration with communities, including various stakeholders. The police emphasized the crucial role of specialized units, such as the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Units (FCS), which continue to investigate and prosecute GBVF cases while providing specialized support to survivors.
The past week saw notable arrests, including 40-year-old Lesiba Ledwaba for the murder of his 87-year-old mother, Raisibe Ledwaba. He has appeared in the Seshego Magistrates Court on murder charges. In another case, police in Ladybrand arrested a 27-year-old man on 1 July 2025 for the alleged murder of his 51-year-old mother after a dispute involving alcohol consumption. He is scheduled to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrates Court on 3 July.
Recently, FCS unit members secured lengthy jail sentences for perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide, ensuring their removal from society. Notable convictions this week include a life sentence for a 29-year-old accused of raping his eight-year-old daughter in March 2025, and a life sentence for a 22-year-old convicted of raping a 13-year-old boy in November 2023. Additionally, serial rapist Bongani Ntoro, aged 36, received a life sentence and an additional 25 years for the rape of four women and a minor between 2007 and 2010.
SAPS reiterated its commitment to combating, preventing, and investigating GBVF incidents and is continuously working to improve its response. Citizens are encouraged to report GVBF incidents to the nearest police station or through the MySAPS app.