POLOKWANE – Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has clarified that the declaration of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster has not brought extra funding to the province. Instead, it has prompted authorities to tighten gaps across the justice system when handling GBVF cases.

Hadebe spoke during the release of the 2025/26 second-quarter crime statistics in the city, reflecting on a troubling period of increased sexual offences, particularly against children, between July and September.

While other major crimes have declined, sexual offences associated with GBVF increased sharply by 7.1%. Thohoyandou, Mankweng, and Seshego recorded the highest numbers of reported cases among 30 Limpopo stations.

“The declaration has placed necessary pressure on stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority, Social Development, local community organisations and the police, to find ways to eliminate this scourge,” Hadebe said.

She added that while the GBVF budget is sufficient, it must be used effectively.

Highlighting recent progress, Hadebe said intensified efforts by the family violence, child protection and sexual offences teams have led to 20 arrests and convictions.

Among these, seven accused received 14 life sentences for rape and murder, five were sentenced to 25 years for rape and attempted rape, and another individual received 20 years for rape. Additionally, 11 offenders received 10-15 year sentences, and five received 2–5-year sentences for offences ranging from child neglect to statutory rape.

The GBVF national disaster was declared in November, shortly before the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which ended this week.

Hadebe said these recent convictions demonstrate the province’s continued commitment to tackling gender-based violence.