Cape Town – Community activist and councillor Dr Jonathan Annipen has called for gender-based violence (GBV) to be criminalised as a specific offence, following a tragic incident in Chatsworth, south of Durban, where a man killed his wife, injured his son, and then took his own life.
During a podcast with Newsbreak Lotus FM, Annipen has criticised the government’s response in dealing with gender-based violence, accusing them of only talking about the issue and not taking affective actions that can assist the victims.
Speaking about the incident in Chatsworth, Annipen proposed initiatives aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
“We should have an investigative directorate in South Africa, that is able to sit through these cases and make quick determinations as to whether they are legitimate cases or they are not.
“But we don’t have victim friendly services stations, either at the hospital or at the police station or any of the stake facilities.
“We’ve got to prioritise victims.
“We’ve got to make sure that victims feel comfortable coming out to talk about and to charge perpetrators.
Annipen added that when victims speak out against GBV, their dignity and rights must be safeguarded.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), 196 rape suspects, including 96 who were on the wanted list — were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation conducted between 1 and 7 September.
#sapsHQ [90-DAY BLITZ TO COMBAT GBVF] 196 Rape suspects including 96 #wanted rape suspects arrested over the past week during nationwide intelligence-led and #TracingOps carried out from 01 to 07 September 2025. In addition, police arrested 96 #wanted suspects for rape and 13… pic.twitter.com/EcMHKVrlvE
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 13, 2025
“The SAPS prioritises the fight against GBVF through various initiatives, including a 90-day blitz to accelerate efforts focusing on GBVF and sexual offences committed against vulnerable groups, especially women, children and people with disabilities.
“The SAPS calls on citizens to join the fight against GBVF by reporting perpetrators and standing against abuse. The fight against GBVF requires collective action from communities, civil society, and all stakeholders to create a safer environment for the victims, said SAPS.
Additionally, on 11 September GCIS Eastern Cape, announced the introduction of more victim-friendly police stations across the country.
We have introduced more victim-friendly services at police stations across the country. We have just recently passed legislation for the establishment of a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Council to mobilise and coordinate work across society. @g20org @GovernmentZA pic.twitter.com/hwCC8CFhYL
— GCIS – Eastern Cape (@GCIS_ECape) September 11, 2025
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
