SAPS FCS Unit Drives Major Gains in Combating GBV During Women’s Month

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month this August, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is shining a light on substantial progress made in the ongoing battle to protect women, children, and other vulnerable groups from violence and abuse. These advances are the result of dedicated work by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit—one of the country’s most critical arms in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

A Year of Progress: Arrests, Convictions, and Justice

Over the past year, spanning 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the FCS unit has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness. According to SAPS statistics, the unit has arrested 22,219 suspects for GBV, femicide, sexual offences, and crimes against children. These efforts have translated into 2,941 convictions, a significant achievement reflecting both the scale and seriousness with which these crimes are being tackled.

Breaking down the sentences handed down, 604 offenders received life imprisonment, 350 offenders were sentenced to 20 years or more, 735 were given 10–19 year sentences, and 1,391 received sentences ranging from 1–9 years. This robust response demonstrates the criminal justice system’s increasing focus on ensuring that perpetrators are held to account and victims see justice served.

National Network: FCS and SECI Units Across South Africa

The FCS unit operates through 176 specialist units spread throughout the country, with additional support from Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) units at both national and provincial levels. These units are specifically designed to address four primary categories of crimes:

• Sexual Crimes: Including rape, incest, and sexual assault, these are among the most prevalent and damaging offences faced by women and children.

• Person-Directed Crimes: Offences such as assault, grievous bodily harm, and murder fall under this category.

• Illegal Removal of Persons: This includes kidnapping, abduction, and cases of missing children.

• Electronic Media-Facilitated Crimes: Modern technology has brought new challenges, such as child sexual abuse material and the non-consensual sharing of intimate content.

The Critical Role of Forensic Social Workers

A key part of the FCS environment is the role played by Forensic Social Workers (FSWs). These trained professionals conduct sensitive and age-appropriate forensic interviews with child victims, a process crucial to both gathering evidence and supporting children through traumatic experiences. Their work is invaluable in assisting courts to make fair and informed decisions, helping ensure that justice processes do not further traumatize the victims.

Leadership and Dedication: Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele

At the helm of the FCS unit is Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, a seasoned and highly respected female detective. Major General Lekhele’s leadership, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment are vital to the unit’s success. She is a role model not only within law enforcement but also as an inspiration for women in leadership roles in the security sector.

Provincial Highlights: Arrests by Region

While the SAPS’s efforts are nationwide, three provinces stand out for the number of arrests recorded in the past year:

• Western Cape: 4,727 arrests

• Gauteng: 4,278 arrests

• KwaZulu-Natal: 3,802 arrests

These figures point to both the scale of the problem and the concentrated efforts being made in areas with high incidences of GBV and related crimes.

National Recognition and Ongoing Commitment

National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has publicly praised the dedication of police personnel. “Through resilience, unwavering dedication, and high-quality investigations, our men and women in blue continue to ensure that sexual offenders are brought to justice and removed from society. Every conviction brings us one step closer to a safer South Africa for all women and girl children,” he said.

The Legacy of Women’s Month

Women’s Month is marked every August to honor the historic 1956 march by 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, a landmark protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women under the apartheid regime. Today, this legacy is carried forward by the women and men working tirelessly in the SAPS to create a safer, more just society for all.

The Road Ahead

While progress has been made, SAPS acknowledges that there is much more to be done. The ongoing fight against GBV, child abuse, and related crimes requires sustained effort, cooperation across communities, and continuous improvement in both prevention and response. As South Africa honors Women’s Month, the SAPS calls on all sectors of society to stand together in protecting the nation’s most vulnerable.