Durban — The KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offence Unit (FCS) secured 26 convictions and two life sentences in the fight to end violence against women and children in May.
Police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa said: “From May 1 to May 31, 2022, FCS Unit detectives arrested 234 suspects for crimes such as rape, kidnapping, abduction, attempted murder, assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, child neglect and indecent exposure.
“During this period, 26 convictions were secured. This included two life sentences and 395 years of imprisonment for the many suspects who appeared in the numerous courts within the province.”
Ngcobo said as more cases were pending in court it was certain that many other suspects would be receiving sentences that will serve as a lesson to other criminals.
Ngcobo said KZN FCS Unit detectives urged citizens to be the victims’ support system and report any suspicions of abuse to enable police to investigate and put abusers behind bars. Society should stop victim-blaming and encourage them to speak up, especially children who are sometimes frightened and helpless.
In March, KZN FCS Unit detectives arrested 259 suspects for rape, as well as other crimes such as kidnapping, abduction, human trafficking, attempted murder and sexual exploitation.
The detectives secured 26 convictions which included nine life sentences and a total of 190 years of imprisonment for the many accused who have appeared in various courts within the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Daily News