Sexual offence cases committed in rural areas are not being reported, say police.
Mandeni Saps spokesperson, Fanele Ndlovu, said police had discovered a shocking number of unreported sexual abuse cases when they visited rural schools recently.
“Children are sexually abused on a large scale by neighbours or close family members, people they trust.
“They end up believing that it is normal to be touched or slept with. Girls under 16 are impregnated, but no one reports these cases,” said Ndlovu, speaking at a walk against gender-based violence in Mandeni on Saturday.
She said too many rural children lived alone or with their grandparents, who themselves are often targets.
She encouraged the public to report gender-based violent crimes to the police and for children to speak to their teachers.
The 10 iLembe police stations collectively recorded 147 sexual offences – of which 129 were rape cases – according to the latest crime statistics.
• Umhlali: 24 sexual offences (of which 20 were rapes).
• KwaDukuza: 31 sexual offences (27 rapes)
• Sundumbili: 17 sexual offences (15 rapes)
• Nyoni: 11 sexual offences (8 rapes)
• Nsuze: 23 rape cases
• Newark: 6 sexual offences (5 rapes)
• Maphumulo: 12 sexual offences (10 rapes)
• Mandeni: 6 rape cases
• Glendale: 6 sexual offences (4 rapes)
• Ndwedwe: 11 rape cases.
For breaking news follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Join our Telegram Broadcast Service at: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0
Join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Simply add 082 792 9405 (North Coast Courier) as a contact to your phone, and WhatsApp your name and surname to the same number to be added.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
