Parliament, Wednesday, 31 July 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron has lauded the South African Police Service’s Atlantis Visible Policing Unit and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for the swift action taken to apprehend an alleged rapist in the Atlantis area in the Western Cape. The Chairperson has highlighted that the swift action by members of the units led to the arrest of the perpetrator and have set the standard for action required from the SAPS if it is to win the fight against the scourge of gender-based violence in the country.
“The dedication displayed by Constable October and Constable Vigeland from Atlantis VISPOL, and Constable Julies from Cape Town FCS is truly remarkable. Their swift action and determination represent the best that is needed to reclaim the credibility of SAPS and highlights what is needed in the fight against crime and criminality in the country,” Mr Cameron said.
It is reported that a victim led the SAPS to a remote farm where she was held captive and repeatedly raped for approximately four months before she was able to escape. “The Portfolio Committee on Police has emphasised that members of SAPS must take immediate action to investigate and arrest perpetrators of GBV cases and must treat the victims with compassion and empathy. This is the standard we expect, and the SAPS members have shown that this can be done,” Mr Cameron emphasised.
The Chairperson has called for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted for this heinous crime. “I have on behalf of the committee dispatched a letter to the National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to highlight our appreciation for the work of the three SAPS members and have highlighted the good standard that these officers have upheld,” Mr Cameron said.
Mr Cameron has also called for psycho-social assistance for the victim to assist them to deal with this ordeal.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR IAN CAMERON
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