Team News and Updates

The End GBVF 100-Day Challenges have demonstrated significant progress in addressing and resolving sexual offence cases within the Sekhukhune Cluster, which includes 10 police stations. The collaborative work has brought about a notable change in the handling of sexual offences cases, particularly those requiring DNA testing and evidence processing.

Rapid progress in Case Resolution

Before the start of the 100-Days, 22 dockets were awaiting investigation and DNA results from the national laboratory. Through the concerted efforts of the police and related agencies, significant strides were made.

Seven sexual offences cases were finalised with DNA results submitted, leading to a swift turnaround time in court. This efficiency is a testament to the focused approach and urgency placed on these cases.

Issuance of Summons: DNA results were received for 15 cases, allowing for summons to be issued across all these cases, ensuring that justice processes were set in motion.

Police Stations and Coordination

The Sekhukhune Cluster saw active participation from ten police stations, including Nebo, Groblersdal, Burgersfort, Danilton, Marble Hall, Motetema, Sekhukhune, Mashadi, and others. These stations were instrumental in collecting and coordinating DNA reports, a critical component in cases requiring forensic evidence.

Adopting a new strategy with collaboration among local and national offices

A key element of success has been the emphasis on collaboration and communication among stakeholders. Local and provincial police commissioners played a pivotal role in these efforts. They maintained open lines of communication with their national counterparts, enabling a streamlined flow of resources and information. 

When lists of open cases were submitted to the national office, provincial and local commissioners received detailed feedback on each case. This feedback included necessary actions to fully process and close each case based on DNA evidence. A new process was established where every two weeks the case system would be updated by the national office to indicate where DNA reports have been assigned. Where some sexual office cases were closed by the court due to no DNA evidence, this  new system could reinstate cases as soon as DNA reports were assigned to cases. Even though the 100-Day Challenges are coming to an end in August 2024, police commissioners within this cluster have agreed to continue to work this way going forward.

The End GBVF 100-Day Challenges have proven to be a significant step forward in addressing GBVF within the Sekhukhune Cluster. As the program continues within this  cluster, it sets a strong precedent for future efforts to swiftly process sexual offence cases.