Rape Can Never be Tolerated | Western Cape Government

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Rape Can Never be Tolerated

17 May 2013

Media Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

I condemn this horrific and fatal rape of another of this country’s young women. Our women and children should be loved, cared for and protected, but this is not happening. I would like to send my sincerest condolences to the family of Anne-Marie Beukes during this tragic and difficult time.

I will be monitoring the investigation and have asked that the South African Police service (SAPS) keep me updated as the perpetrators of this heinous crime must be caught, tried, and convicted. There is no room in our community for criminals like these.

I want to repeat – Proper investigations followed by prosecutions and convictions are essential for serving justice – in this case, and in every single rape case in South Africa. A strong message must be sent out that rapists will face the full might of the law. Rape, domestic violence and violence against women are not women’s issues, they are everyone’s issues. Women’s safety ultimately affects everyone in society and communities must stand together to prevent sexual crimes and support victims.

Additional Information:

Rape and sexual crimes must be reported to the police. To report crimes, please visit your nearest police station or call:

SAPS emergency: 10111

SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111

Every police precinct in the Western Cape has a Victim Support Room (totalling 149 province-wide) where victims of rape can report crimes and give their statements in a safe and victim-friendly environment. Victim-support volunteers, which have been trained in a joint partnership between Community Safety, Social Development and SAPS, will assist the victim through the police reporting process. Victims may, in most circumstances, take a family member or friend with them to give a statement, in their home language.

Social workers are also available on request to provide counselling for rape victims and their families and can be contacted by visiting their local Social Development Office or by calling the Western Cape Government Social Development’s toll free line on 0800 220-250.

The Women Abuse Helpline is also available on 0800 150 150.

Media Enquiries: 

Greg Wagner
Spokesperson for Minister Plato
Cell: 072 623 4499