Gender-based violence and femicide cases continue to rise in South Africa as “violent" men in the country are targeting children and elderly women, the country's President Cyril Ramaphosa, said.
“We have in recent times seen a spate of rapes and killings of elderly women, our mothers and grandmothers that are meant to be respected and treated with dignity," Mr Ramaphosa added.
He was speaking during the second presidential summit on Gender Based Violence and Femicide.
According to the president, data from the South African Police Service shows that sexual offences and rape increased by 13% between 2017-18, and 2021-22.
Murders of women and children are also on the rise, he said.
“Between the first quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022 there was a 52% increase in the murder of women, and 46% increase in the number of children murdered," Mr Ramaphosa said, calling on men to end such crimes.
"These barbaric acts are a shameful indictment of the men of this country."
He however highlighted some gains from the last presidential summit in 2018, including 83 courts being upgraded to sexual offences courts.
Latest Stories
-
George Twum-Barimah-Adu pledges inclusive cabinet with Minority and Majority leaders
29 mins -
Labourer jailed 5 years for inflicting cutlass wounds on businessman
30 mins -
Parliament urged to fast-track passage of Road Traffic Amendment Bill
31 mins -
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante aka Electrician
31 mins -
Minerals Commission, Solidaridad unveils forum to tackle child labour in mining sector
36 mins -
Election 2024: Engagement with security services productive – NDC
38 mins -
Retain NPP for the good of Ghana – Rebecca Akufo-Addo
38 mins -
‘Let’s work together to improve sanitation, promote health outcome’ – Sector Minister urges
39 mins -
Ellembelle MP cuts sod for six-unit classroom block at Nkroful Agric SHS
42 mins -
‘I’ll beat the hell out of you if you misbehave on December 7’ – Achiase Commanding Officer
45 mins -
AFPNC leads the charge on World Prematurity Day 2024
51 mins -
Court remands unemployed man over theft of ECG property
57 mins -
Election security rests solely with the police – Central Regional Police Command
59 mins -
NCCE engages political youth activists at Kumbungu on tolerance
59 mins -
‘In Mahama’s era students lacked chalk, but are now receiving tablets’ – Bawumia
1 hour