NPA’s Fight Against Sexual Offences

The Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is hosting the Sexual Offences Indaba from today until Wednesday at Emperors Palace.

The NPA formed the unit last year to effectively deal with rape cases.

In order to achieve their goals, they formed partnerships with several government departments, which have since developed the Thuthuzela Care Centre Model to address rape case management.

NPA spokesman Tlali Tlali said the model was adopted after empirical research which had placed the rape victim at the forefront of service delivery.

“It is a victim-centred approach that not only allows for the empowerment of the victims, but journeys the victims through the criminal justice system seeking to transform them from victims to survivors, and ultimately to more empowered witnesses in the criminal justice process.

“The model also ensures speedy, effective investigation and prosecution of rape cases in order to cause a reduction in cycle times, bringing an increase in conviction rates,” he said.

Tlali said last year’s indaba saw the formation of provincial task teams on sexual offences management as a tangible outcome.

"Teams played a pivotal role by assisting with the roll-out of seven Thuthuzela Care Centres in Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and the Northern Cape provinces last year.

New Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe and the acting National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Mokotedi Mpshe will address the conference.