Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane, the station commander at Alexandra Police Station, revealed that rape cases in Alexandra often involve people who know each other.

He noted that most of their rape cases involve people who, at some stage, were romantically involved.

“You would find that the victim went to her ex-boyfriend. They were having drinks together, and after that they go to sleep. That is where the problem is,” he shared.

Read more: Alex woman battles rape trauma

“The victim would say no, and the man would say, ‘but we have been enjoying together,’ and then he would force himself [upon her].”

He emphasised that if a woman says no, it is a no. “Even if it is your wife, if she says no, it is a no. If you force yourself [on her], then it is rape.”

He said sometimes suspects and victims know each other, even though they are not in relationships.

He added conviction rates have remained constant, and all that is needed for a conviction is sufficient evidence. He said in the presence of evidence, the court always convicts the suspects.

In recent weeks, GBVF has been in the spotlight following the Women’s Shutdown led by Women For Change, ahead of the G20 Summit in Sandton.

Also read: Alexandra teen survives attempted rape on way to school

The country has now entered into the annual 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children campaign under the theme: Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

According to the South African government, the campaign is to highlight the societal and systemic causes of GBVF and to mobilise action to eliminate all forms of gendered violence.

Some have used this critical time to raise concerns about GBV against men, especially on the back of reports about Xichavo Ntsanwisi and Simon Phalama, who, in separate incidents, were allegedly fatally stabbed by their romantic partners.

GBV Brigade member Lizzy Sithole said GBV affects both men and women, but stressed that for men, it has become increasingly difficult to report it.

Although the GBV Brigades support victims, Sithole said perpetrators should also receive help.

“Government should help perpetrators; this [violent behaviour] begins from the roots. Maybe it emerged from the abusive domestic relationships between their mother and father. But there isn’t anybody who follows up on this.”

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