South Africa's sad history of child rapes

Iaine Harper:

In South Africa, there is more chance of being caught for a traffic fine than for child rape, said the Democratic Alliance on Wednesday.

Speaking during a debate in the national assembly to mark International Children's Day, DA social development spokesperson Mike Waters said 59 526 crimes against children had been reported last year.

However, just under half (49%) were referred to court, and only 13% ended in a successful conviction.

"This represents a staggering 163 crimes a day against children, with only one in eight of the perpetrators being brought to book.

"The picture looks even worse when sexual offences are separated from physical assault," he said.

A total of 21 702 sexual offences were reported in 2004, of which 57% ended up in court, and only six percent resulted in convictions.

"The conviction rate is down from nine percent from the previous year. This means that nearly 95% of child rapists are getting away with it.

"You have more chance of being caught for a traffic fine than you have for raping a child. That is not putting children first," said Waters.

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