The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its campaign against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), arresting 183 rape suspects during coordinated operations across the country in just one week. The arrests included 67 wanted suspects who had long evaded capture.
These efforts form part of a broader 90-day anti-GBVF blitz launched by the government earlier this month in response to the persistent rise in violent crimes against women and children. The SAPS’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units are at the forefront of this drive, working day and night to track down and ensure the prosecution of sex offenders.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk confirmed that the arrests came after “a series of targeted intelligence-led operations” aimed at disrupting GBVF hotspots nationwide. “This week’s arrests reflect our zero-tolerance approach. We are committed to restoring safety in homes and communities,” said Van Wyk.
Serial Rapist Pastor Jailed for Life
Among the most shocking convictions this past week was the sentencing of Mandlelisa Mabhale, a 58-year-old pastor in KwaZulu-Natal, to 10 life sentences and 70 additional years. The Nquthu Regional Court found Mabhale guilty of raping multiple minors, exposing them to pornography, and using his role as a religious leader to lure children to his rented home in Ndidini.
Investigations revealed that Mabhale forced his victims to watch explicit material before sexually assaulting them. Van Wyk said the case was one of the most disturbing seen in the region in recent years.
“This conviction is not only a victory for the justice system, but a signal to other predators: your day will come,” she said.
Other Key Convictions This Week
On 17 July 2025, the Mahwelereng Regional Court in Limpopo sentenced Kabelo Prince Monethe (33) to life imprisonment for the rape of a 68-year-old woman in Mapela Ga-Chaba in December 2023.
On 15 July 2025, the Mankweng Regional Court sentenced Simon Makgoba (24) to life plus 15 years for the kidnapping and rape of a 19-year-old woman in Limpopo.
These convictions were praised by rights groups and legal experts, who called for sustained resourcing of the FCS units and continued support for survivors.
The Data: A Deepening Crisis
The 2025 quarterly crime statistics released earlier this month paint a dire picture:
10,822 rape cases were reported in the first quarter of 2025 (January to March), up 3.9% from the same period in 2024.
Over 2,700 rapes occurred in private residences, showing that many women remain unsafe even in their own homes.
Children made up over 27% of the reported rape victims, according to SAPS.
The FCS units currently have over 2,300 dedicated officers, but gender activists say more resources are needed. “We have only about 176 FCS units nationwide, and some provinces like the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape are understaffed,” said Thandiwe Nxasana, a GBV researcher with the Women’s Legal Centre.
UN and Civil Society Demand Action
The United Nations in South Africa has again called GBVF a “national emergency.” In a July 2025 policy brief, UN Women said South Africa ranks among the highest in the world for femicide rates outside of war zones. It praised SAPS for the recent arrests but warned that “law enforcement alone cannot end GBVF.”
“Women in South Africa are dying every week, not by strangers on dark alleys, but often at the hands of those they trust,” said Dr. Mary Okello, UN Women’s regional coordinator. “We need aggressive reforms in policing, prosecution, social services, and education.”
Community Role Crucial
According to Van Wyk, many of the recent arrests were made possible through community tip-offs and survivor bravery. “It’s the voices of those who choose to come forward that are helping us build stronger cases. We need more communities to support survivors, not shame them,” she said.
Anti-GBV organisations such as People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) and Ilitha Labantu have echoed the need for survivor-focused systems. They’re calling for expansion of rape crisis centres, fast-tracking of forensic backlogs, and harsher bail conditions for GBV suspects.
Turning Point or Temporary Blitz?
While the week’s statistics reflect progress, experts warn of the risk of short-term campaigns without long-term structural change. According to the 2025 GBV Shadow Report compiled by civil society, over 60% of GBV-related cases either stall in court or are withdrawn due to lack of support for victims.
Still, the SAPS insists the momentum will continue beyond the 90-day blitz. “This is more than a campaign—it’s a sustained mission. We are not letting up,” said Van Wyk.
Help is Available
SAPS has urged victims or witnesses of GBV to contact the GBV Command Centre toll-free at 0800 428 428, or to use the USSD-based service by dialling 1207867#.
As the arrests pile up and courts hand down lengthy sentences, one message echoes across the country: South Africa is fighting back. But the battle to end GBV will require not only police operations, but a whole-of-society effort—one built on justice, empathy, and unrelenting resolve.
