Die bekamping van en strafmaatreëls teen verkragting en geweldsmisdaad in Suid-Afrika - 'n Kontemporêre studie

Abstract

This article deals with the important issue of the combating of and punitive measures against rape and violent crimes in contemporary South Africa. Initially it focuses on aspects of the global position on violence against women and RSA statistics on this crime during the past five years. From 2002 to 2006 several actions were taken against rape and sexual violence against women and children by activists and organisations like the CSIR, the SA Police, Rapcan, campaigns in communities, the Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, the SABC television service, etc. The trial of the former deputy president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, on a charge of rape brought the larger issue of rape and violence against women to the fore. Light is shed on the importance of this trial for recent and future victims of rape and violence in South Africa. In conclusion the recent Amendment Bill on Sexual Offences which was introduced in May 2006 and will be passed later in 2006, and its implications, are discussed.