Police continue their nationwide End GBVF operation. [X-@SAPoliceService
(The Post News)- The South African Police Service has confirmed the nationwide arrest of 201 suspects for rape in an intensified crackdown on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
In a media statement released on 20 June 2025, SAPS outlined the progress of its ongoing operations targeting sexual offenders across the country. They claim that 56 of the 201 total arrests were wanted persons arrested in various provinces as part of focused efforts to track down fugitives.
Among the notable arrests was a couple in Bloubergstrand, Western Cape, accused of sexually abusing their daughters aged three and eight. Upon inspecting the seized devices, the suspects multiple face charges including the production of child sexual abuse material, rape, sexual assault, and grooming.
Just yesterday the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Mpumalanga, arrested a 24-year-old man following the gang rape of a 27-year-old woman. Investigations into this case are ongoing.
The past few weeks have also seen an influx of harsher sentences handed down by courts.
Serial rapist Lesley Morwamashobe Mohlala (33) was sentenced by the Polokwane High Court to 222 years’ imprisonment on 9 June, after being found guilty on multiple counts of rape and aggravated robbery.
In East London, a 42-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl who became pregnant.
A 51-year-old man on parole for a rape conviction was sentenced him to life in jail the Bloemfontein Regional Court for raping his 10-year-old niece.
One June 18, a 25-year-old man from Tshiozwi Limpopo was given a life sentence by the Waterval Regional Court for raping his then nine-year-old cousin.
SAPS have pledged to continue removing sexual predators from communities and ensuring that justice is served for victims of gender-based violence across South Africa.
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